US Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared earlier than the Senate International Relations Committee on Wednesday, defending the Trump administration’s current navy actions in Venezuela and explaining the US posture on Iran.Rubio mentioned the US operation to seize Venezuelan chief Nicolas Maduro was not an act of conflict and burdened that Washington doesn’t plan additional navy motion within the nation. “We aren’t postured and don’t count on to take navy motion,” he informed lawmakers, including that further strikes might hurt long-term efforts to stabilise Venezuela and assist a democratic transition.
He additionally addressed Iran, saying there isn’t a present plan to assault the nation, even because the US will increase its navy presence within the Center East. Rubio described the buildup as “smart and prudent” to guard American personnel and amenities from potential Iranian threats. His feedback got here as President Donald Trump once more warned Tehran of a “far worse” assault if it doesn’t abandon its nuclear ambitions.Rubio cautioned that regime change in Iran could be “way more complicated” than in Venezuela, noting the longevity of Iran’s management and the necessity for cautious consideration.The listening to additionally touched on Ukraine, with Rubio saying disagreements over territory stay a key impediment in talks involving the US, Russia and Ukraine. He mentioned Washington may have to supply a “safety backstop” for any future settlement.Rubio additional mentioned the Trump administration want to see a change in Cuba’s authorities however stopped in need of saying the US would power such an end result.“We want to see that regime change, Rubio mentioned, including, “That does not imply that we will make a change, however we’d like to see it change.”
