Marco Rubio 2016: Senator Would Defy U.S. Allies on Iran As President If Necessary
Republican presidential hopeful Marco Rubio would "absolutely" defy U.S. allies to revoke any Iranian nuclear deal he might inherit from Barack Obama, the Florida senator told the Associated Press on Tuesday.
The next president "should not be bound" by a potential agreement the Obama administration strikes with Iran, even if European partners were to stand behind it. In talks that also include the remaining four permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and Germany, the United States had been inching closer toward a deal with Tehran in recent weeks.
Rubio is among 47 GOP senators who signed a letter last week warning the Iranian regime that Congress could upend any presidential fiat, the AP noted. He outlined the actions he would consider in the face of opposition from U.S. allies if he were to move into the White House in 2017.
"The United States, although it's less than ideal, could unilaterally re-impose more crushing and additional sanctions," the junior senator said. Rubio added that he would "use the standing of the United States on the global stage to try to encourage other nations to (follow suit)."
The interview means that Rubio is among "major GOP potential candidates (who have) clearly articulated their position" on Iran, the Washington Post editorialized. Notably absent from that group is Jeb Bush, often considered the frontrunner in the Republican field, the newspaper judged.
"The former Florida governor is the least definitive of the top potential contenders when it comes to Iran," the Washington Post noted. Bush's approach contrasts -- maybe intentionally -- with that his brother, George W. Bush, was known for during his presidential campaigns, the newspaper added.
The former president's "keen appreciation for the threat of radical Islamists and his fierce defense of (Israel) were two defining aspects of his foreign policy," the Washington Post's Jennifer Rubin argued. "One would imagine George W. Bush would be leading the opposition to a deal."
Rubio, meanwhile, suggested the the debate may be mute because Tehran was unlikely to live up to the commitments it makes in any potential agreement, according to the AP.
"I have zero doubt that between now and the next president, Iran will violate some condition of this deal," he noted. "The challenge will be whether the European community and our allies around the world are willing to look the other way and ignore them or are willing to re-impose sanctions."
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!