Key facts
- Senator Marco Rubio alleges Iran has mined the Strait of Hormuz.
- Rubio calls for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Rubio proposes negotiations on uranium disposition for sanctions relief.
- Rubio stated he has never seen President Trump fall asleep in meetings.
- House Republican leaders expect a war powers resolution on Iran to pass.
- The war powers resolution aims to assert Congress's authority over military commitment.
- Senator Chris Coons states Iran is stronger than 90 days ago.
- Coons notes Iran has effectively used drones.
- President Trump appointed Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence.
- Dr. Mehmet Oz led a White House briefing on Medicaid work requirements.
- Protesters chanted 'Rubio lies, people die' outside a Senate hearing.
- Rubio stated Cuba supports terrorist groups.
Senator Marco Rubio has asserted that Iran has extensively mined areas of the Strait of Hormuz, demanding its immediate reopening and proposing negotiations on uranium disposition in exchange for sanctions relief. Rubio also underscored the critical need for ongoing dialogue between the United States and China to de-escalate potential conflicts, while simultaneously affirming the United States' consistent policy towards Taiwan. During a House Foreign Relations Committee appearance, Rubio responded to questioning from Rep. Ted Lieu, stating he has never witnessed President Trump fall asleep during meetings. He also faces scrutiny regarding the State Department's fiscal 2027 budget request and the ongoing conflict with Iran, having already encountered Democratic criticism during prior House and Senate panel hearings. Protesters gathered outside a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing involving Secretary Rubio, chanting 'Rubio lies, people die.' Rubio stated that the U.S. is the sole global superpower focused on national interests and that Cuba sponsors terrorism. He also alleged before Congress that Cuba has supported radical, violent terrorist groups in the Western Hemisphere, attributing this to Communist funding and backing.
House Republican leaders expect that they will be unable to block a war powers resolution concerning Iran from passing when it is brought to the floor. This resolution aims to assert Congress's constitutional authority over the commitment of U.S. armed forces to conflict. Senator Chris Coons commented that Iran is currently stronger than it was 90 days prior to the commencement of the U.S. war with the country, noting Iran's effective utilization of drones. In other developments, President Trump has appointed Bill Pulte as the acting Director of National Intelligence. Concurrently, Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of CMS, led a White House briefing on new Medicaid work requirements, and is scheduled to brief the press, with the event to be live-streamed.
Donald Trump suggested that JD Vance and Marco Rubio would form an unbeatable presidential ticket in 2028, with both individuals considered potential contenders for the Republican nomination. Separately, Rep. Ashley Hinson and state Rep. Josh Turek are projected to compete for retiring Sen. Joni Ernst's Iowa Senate seat. Hinson secured the Republican nomination, thanking President Trump following her projected victory, while Turek is the projected Democratic nominee.