Rubio on Iran nuke intelligence: They have ‘everything they need to build nuclear weapons’

On Sunday morning, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as acting White House National Security Adviser, appeared on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" to discuss Saturday's U.S. strikes on Iran's three major nuclear facilities. Rubio shed light on U.S. intelligence findings, stating, "We have intelligence that they have everything they need to build nuclear weapons." 
 
"Why would you bury things in a mountain, 300 feet under the ground? Why do they have 60% enriched uranium? You don't need 60% enriched uranium. The only countries in the world that have uranium at 60% are countries that have nuclear weapons, because it can quickly make it 90," he added. 

Enrichment to 90% is considered "weapons-grade," as it is sufficient for use in nuclear weapons, where a rapid and self-sustaining chain reaction is needed.

He addressed Iran's threats in the aftermath of the strikes, telling Brennan, "They'll attack us, is what they're threatening to do. So we'll defend our people, obviously." Rubio dismissed concerns about the timing and whether Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, gave weaponization orders, asserting, "It doesn't matter when the order was given. They have everything they need to build nuclear weapons." 

He also warned Iran against closing the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran's government voted on earlier Sunday, calling it "suicidal" and urging diplomatic solutions instead. The straight of Hormuz is a critical maritime choke point, with about 20% of the world's oil traveling through it.

When challenged on intelligence suggesting Iran had not ordered weaponization for its nuclear supplies, Rubio countered, "That's an inaccurate representation of it. That's not how intelligence is read." 

He defended the U.S. military presence in the Middle East, asking, "Do you know why we have bases in Bahrain and Qatar and UAE and in all these places?" 

Calming fears over retaliation on U.S. soil, Rubio emphasized the United States' level of preparedness for Iranian retaliation, telling Brennan that "We're prepared to do that, but we'll do more than just defend. We'll impose costs on Iran if they attack American personnel." 

He also highlighted the strategic importance of U.S. alliances, noting, "Our partners in the region are critical to our national security." 

Rubio concluded by reaffirming U.S. commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, saying, "We will take all necessary actions to ensure Iran does not cross that line."