Official statements from the Iranian government or U.S. State Department

Marco Rubio Criticizes Iranian Clerics, Supports Regime Change in Senate Hearing

Jan 15, 2025, 07:01 PM

Marco Rubio, nominated by President Trump for the position of U.S. Secretary of State, expressed a strong view on Iran during his Senate confirmation hearing. Rubio stated that there is a significant difference between the Iranian people and the radical Shia clerics who govern them, emphasizing that the clerics are not representative of the Iranian populace or its historical contributions to humanity. He highlighted the disconnect between the Iranian government and its people, suggesting that the regime is at its weakest point and that some within the government might be attempting to buy time through negotiations. Rubio also noted that the Iranian people are part of an ancient civilization and that the regime is pursuing nuclear weapons while the populace has been rising up for regime change.