WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to testify on Capitol Hill on Tuesday regarding the State Department’s annual budget request, marking his first appearance since the onset of the Iran conflict. During back-to-back hearings before House and Senate committees, Rubio is expected to face questions about the Trump administration’s diplomatic efforts, particularly concerning the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, which has faced challenges due to recent military actions.
Rubio, a former Republican senator, has defended President Donald Trump’s decision to engage in the conflict, despite previous commitments to avoid prolonged military involvement in the Middle East. The administration's shifting objectives in the conflict have complicated these efforts.
Since the war began on February 28, Rubio participated in a classified briefing for lawmakers shortly after the initial U.S. and Israeli strikes. He has encountered criticism from Democrats regarding the lack of congressional authorization for military action, while receiving support from many Republicans.
In the two months since the conflict's commencement, some Republicans have begun to question the financial implications and economic impact of the war, particularly as midterm elections approach. The conflict has disrupted tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for global oil and natural gas trade, leading to increased gas prices.
Recently, the Senate advanced legislation aimed at compelling Trump to withdraw from the conflict, with GOP Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana joining Democrats in this initiative. Meanwhile, a House vote on a war powers resolution was postponed by GOP leadership due to insufficient support.
Following his Tuesday hearings, Rubio is scheduled to testify again on Wednesday before the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Appropriations subcommittee. He may also face inquiries regarding the Trump administration's stance on Cuba, as there have been indications that Cuba could be targeted after the situation in Iran.
Rubio has consistently labeled Cuba as a national security threat due to its connections with U.S. adversaries, and the administration has intensified its rhetoric against the Cuban government, particularly following the indictment of former President Raúl Castro. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has condemned these actions as politically motivated.
