‘Not an act of war’: Marco Rubio defends Venezuela operation at Senate hearing — what he said

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday, defending the Trump administration’s recent military actions in Venezuela and explaining the US posture on Iran.

Rubio said the US operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro was not an act of war and stressed that Washington does not plan further military action in the country. “We are not postured and do not expect to take military action,” he told lawmakers, adding that additional strikes could harm long-term efforts to stabilise Venezuela and support a democratic transition.

The secretary of state further detailed how the Trump administration will control Venezuela's oil money. He said the Trump administration will soon allow Venezuela to sell oil that is currently under US sanctions, and the money from those sales will first be used for basic services like policing and health care under Washington’s oversight.


He also addressed Iran, saying there is no current plan to attack the country, even as the US increases its military presence in the Middle East. Rubio described the buildup as “wise and prudent” to protect American personnel and facilities from potential Iranian threats. His comments came as President Donald Trump again warned Tehran of a “far worse” attack if it does not abandon its nuclear ambitions.

Rubio cautioned that regime change in Iran would be “far more complex” than in Venezuela, noting the longevity of Iran’s leadership and the need for careful consideration.

The hearing also touched on Ukraine, with Rubio saying disagreements over territory remain a key obstacle in talks involving the US, Russia and Ukraine. He said Washington may need to provide a “security backstop” for any future agreement.

Rubio further said the Trump administration would like to see a change in Cuba’s government but stopped short of saying the US would force such an outcome.

"We would like to see that regime change, Rubio said, adding, "That doesn't mean that we're going to make a change, but we would love to see it change."

Talks on Greenland begins

Technical-level talks among the US, Denmark and Greenland on an Arctic security deal have begun, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday.

“It begins today and it will be a regular process,” Rubio said of the working group, as he testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “We’re going to try to do it in a way that isn’t like a media circus every time these conversations happen, because we think that creates more flexibility on both sides to arrive at a positive outcome.”