Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday defended President Donald Trump's war with Iran, a stance that stands in sharp contrast to Vice President JD Vance's recent claim that the conflict was the main reason Republicans lost the midterm elections. The divergence between two of the administration's most prominent figures has drawn attention as Republicans assess their electoral setback and look ahead to 2028.
Vance made his argument in a post on X, writing that the war was the reason Republicans lost the midterms. He cited an unnamed pollster who said voters want the war ended and inflation addressed. Polling offers some support for the idea that both issues weighed on voters, though it does not establish which one drove Republican defections. A Fox News poll found that 89 percent of respondents cited the cost of living as a key midterm factor, while 74 percent named the Iran war. Vance's office did not respond to Fox News questions about the blockade, a possible withdrawal, or potential concessions.
The war began in February with an operation called Epic Fury. Trump had projected that it would last four to five weeks. Major U.S. combat ended in April, but the broader standoff with Iran has continued. A June memorandum with Tehran failed, and pressure campaigns and limited strikes resumed afterward. Qatar is mediating talks aimed at easing a blockade and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and Trump has met with the Qatari prime minister and foreign minister on the mediation effort. Rubio has been skeptical that the talks are near a breakthrough, calling Iran's demands unrealistic. Axios has reported that Vance has been involved in indirect talks with Iranian representatives.
The disagreement has also raised questions about internal dynamics. Trump has joked that Vance would take the blame if an Iran deal failed, and has said Vance « was right » while denying that their relationship is strained. Trump has also floated Rubio as a possible 2028 presidential contender. The Wall Street Journal has reported that some donors doubt they would back Vance for 2028.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called the Iran campaign « courageous and historic », and Trump has said Hegseth will remain in his post. In April the administration claimed its military objectives had been achieved. Critics have pushed back on that account. Davis said the February objectives concerning missiles, the navy and proxies remain unmet, while Hood argued that Iran still poses an ongoing threat and that administration messaging needs more clarity. The State Department did not respond to a request for comment.