Vance and Rubio Voice Support for U.S. Strikes on Iran as Operations Near One Month

By [Your Name], Staff Reporter

*Published: 2026-03-25T16:51:38Z*

WASHINGTON — U.S. military strikes against Iran, initiated by President Donald Trump following the collapse of nuclear talks in February 2026, are approaching their four-week mark. Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, both seen as potential Republican contenders for the 2028 presidential election, have publicly supported the operations, though their comments have been less frequent than those of other administration officials in recent weeks.

The strikes began after negotiations in Geneva and Oman failed to curb Iran's nuclear program. According to U.S. intelligence assessments cited by the administration, Iran had enriched uranium to 60% purity — a level close to the 90% needed for weapons-grade material — and was producing more than 100 missiles per month. Officials stated Iran was approaching an "immunity line," where it could potentially produce a nuclear weapon in 1 to 1.5 years. The U.S. actions were described as preemptive measures to prevent an Israeli strike that could provoke Iranian retaliation against American interests.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been among the most visible administration figures defending the strikes, appearing multiple times on television to discuss their economic implications alongside national security aspects.

David Axelrod, a Democratic strategist who advised Barack Obama’s presidential campaigns, commented on the dynamics: “Beats the hell out of me. Vance is easily understood. This is antithetical to his brand. Bessent is necessarily out there because while the strikes are a national security issue, its ramifications are very much economic. Rubio is bewildering because he was so visible at the beginning.”

Trump lost the 2020 presidential election but sought to challenge the results. He has also referenced the possibility of serving beyond the Constitution’s two-term limit after 2028. If the 2028 elections proceed as scheduled, Republican candidates — particularly those in the current administration like Vance and Rubio — may need to address public opinion on the strikes.

Polls show a partisan divide on the operations. A CNN poll from March 1 found 77% approval among Republicans, while an 81% GOP approval rate was reported by The Washington Post. Overall disapproval is higher, driven largely by Democrats, with only 18% approving in some surveys. Gasoline prices have risen by more than a dollar per gallon since the strikes began, and projections indicate potential increases in inflation.

A portion of Trump’s 2024 voters supported him partly due to his pledges to avoid new foreign conflicts, and some have expressed concerns over the use of military force. Rubio, whose parents immigrated from Cuba, has historically advocated for U.S. interventions in Latin America against governments described as socialist.


State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott responded to inquiries about Rubio’s stance, stating: “A ridiculous question debunked by a basic internet search. To be clear for those in the back, let me say once again, Secretary Rubio fully supports the president’s policies, which are making the world a safer place.” Pigott’s reply included criticism of the reporter.

Vance has affirmed his support for Trump’s decisions. During a March 13 visit to North Carolina, he addressed questions about his classified advice to the president: “Partially because I don’t want to go to prison, and partially because I think it’s important for the president of the United States to be able to talk to those advisers without those advisers running their mouth to the American media.”

Rubio, who also serves as national security adviser, initially explained to reporters that the timing of the strikes was influenced by intelligence indicating Israel planned its own action, potentially leading to Iranian reprisals against the U.S. He adjusted the explanation the following day after Trump provided a differing account.

John Bolton, Trump’s national security adviser during his first term and a proponent of regime change in Iran, offered his view: “Vance is against the policy but can’t say so. Rubio is worried that it is distracting from Venezuela and Cuba.” Bolton is currently under investigation by the Trump Justice Department, which the president has described as a tool for addressing political opponents.

Republican consultant Matt Wolking, a former Rubio aide, suggested limited public commentary may stem from Trump’s own frequent statements. “With Trump so accessible, it’s just not that necessary,” Wolking said. “This is one of those areas where a Trump administration official is more at risk of getting ahead of the president than offering significant value to the public debate. I think Vance and Rubio have been doing enough.”

Axelrod concurred on this point: “Maybe as this gets more complicated and Trump becomes more frustrated, he is calling on the spokesperson he trusts the most: himself.”

Administration officials maintain the strikes address an escalating Iranian threat, including post-2025 actions by Iran. Public statements from Vance and Rubio, including endorsements of the president’s approach, have been documented in official releases and interviews, countering perceptions of silence. The operations continue amid ongoing assessments of their strategic and economic effects.

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