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Marco Rubio

The latest news on Marco Rubio, American politician and 72nd United States Secretary of State, including US politics news and updates.

Born

28 May 1971

Industry

Politics

Job title

US Secretary of State

A woman holds the Iranian flag as she stands in front of an anti-US billboard in Tehran on Sunday. As the war enters its 10th week, peace talks remain stalled. Photo: AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump, Tehran and a Qatari tanker transit: here’s what happened overnight

US leader calls Iran’s response to its peace proposal ‘totally unacceptable’, while a Qatari ship passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

53 minutes ago

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran responds to US proposal, as Qatari tanker crosses Strait of Hormuz

11 May 2026 - 12:19AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

US-Iran war no closer to ending as Gulf clashes flare

9 May 2026 - 8:56PMvideocam

2026 Xi-Trump summit

Xi-Trump summit: why the Iran war could become fresh point of friction

Both China and the US stand to gain from reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but they view the crisis through different lenses.

9 May 2026 - 5:04PMvideocam

Analysts say the closure and blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have become “a test of endurance” between China and the US. Photo: AFP

Ukraine war

Beginning of the end? Trump announces 3-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire deal

US president says ceasefire will include suspension of all ‘kinetic activity’ and an exchange of prisoners.

9 May 2026 - 6:20AMvideocam

2026 Xi-Trump summit

Trump trade chief says US wants balanced trade, not change to China’s system

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer wants key meeting in Beijing to help ‘achieve more balance’ economically between the two countries.

9 May 2026 - 3:13AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

New Israel-Lebanon talks to try to curb Hezbollah influence in region: Rubio

Marco Rubio says Washington is also awaiting Iran’s response to a new US proposal to end the conflict in the region.

9 May 2026 - 4:56AM

First responders arrive at the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the southern Lebanese village of Habbouch on Thursday. Photo: AFP

China-Latin America relations

US targets Cuba nickel operation in move affecting China-linked supply chains

Marco Rubio revealed sanctions on Thursday, escalating Trump administration’s pressure campaign against Havana’s military-controlled economy.

8 May 2026 - 5:48AMvideocam

US-China relations

China’s study of Ukraine, Iran wars could sharpen Taiwan propaganda tactics

Beijing’s study of Iran, Ukraine wars could help hone its ability to wage information warfare against the US during a Taiwan Strait crisis.

8 May 2026 - 5:06AMvideocam

Italy

Rubio meets Pope Leo at Vatican to defuse tensions with Trump

The meeting comes amid the US president’s repeated attacks on the pontiff over the Iran war and nuclear weapons.

7 May 2026 - 10:04PMvideocam

Pope Leo (centre) meets US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Vatican on Thursday. Photo: EPA/Vatican Media

US-China trade war

Trump-Xi summit hides simmering trade tensions under the surface, experts say

Despite declarations of cooperation, friendship and respect from both sides, major trade conflict is brewing between the two superpowers.

8 May 2026 - 3:12AMvideocam

Despite politeness in public, there are fears that the future looks rocky for US-China trade. Illustration: Shutterstock

US, Israel war on Iran

US strikes Iranian tanker amid reports Washington and Tehran near deal

Trump reiterated that Iran ‘cannot have a nuclear weapon’ as both sides combined military pressure with diplomatic efforts to end deadlock.

7 May 2026 - 4:29AMvideocam

Fifa

Iran FA chief wants Fifa guarantee country’s special forces will not be insulted

Mehdi Taj, who turned back from Canadian border over ‘disrespectful treatment’, says the assurance is needed for the team to take part.

6 May 2026 - 8:00PM

United States

Is Rubio’s star rising in Trump world? Duel with Vance for 2028 heats up

Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s relaxed White House podium debut fuels buzz about his future.

6 May 2026 - 4:38PM

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives to speak at a White House press briefing on Tuesday. Photo: AP

Donald Trump

‘He’s endangering a lot of Catholics’: Trump takes another shot at pope

US president’s latest criticism threatens to derail Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s high-stakes mission to Rome.

6 May 2026 - 6:17PMvideocam

Pope Leo speaking to journalists on Tuesday. Photo: AP

US-China relations

‘Golden Dome’ defence, new space rivals: 7 US-China relations reads

From a bloated UN to ‘red carpet’ visas for Chinese spies, here are highlights from our correspondents in the second half of April 2026.

5 May 2026 - 1:13AM

Italy

Rubio to visit Rome, meet Pope Leo who has clashed with Trump

US secretary of state also seeks a meeting with Italy’s Meloni, whom Trump has also turned against.

4 May 2026 - 8:49PMvideocam

2026 Xi-Trump summit

Are US Air Force C-17s flying cars into Beijing for Trump’s China trip?

American military cargo planes have been spotted at the Chinese capital’s main airport, suggesting that the high-stakes visit is still on.

3 May 2026 - 6:00PM

Two US Air Force C-17 transport aircraft have been seen at Beijing Capital International Airport in the past few days. Photo: Handout

Taiwan

Taiwan’s William Lai lands in eSwatini on trip Beijing calls a political ‘stunt’

Lai travels to island sole African ally after earlier visit cancelled because of overflight permission withdrawn.

2 May 2026 - 9:11PM

2026 Xi-Trump summit

China trip will go ahead as planned – and it will be amazing, Trump insists

US president says the visit will go ahead as planned later this month despite the ongoing stalemate in peace talks with Iran.

2 May 2026 - 9:10PMvideocam

United States

Opinion | Why US may regret pushing allies towards greater defence autonomy

The challenge for US policymakers in the aftermath of Trump’s presidency may be to restore US importance among like-minded countries.

1 May 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu walk inside after Netanyahu arrives at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida on December 29, 2025. Photo: AFP

Fifa World Cup 2026

Fifa President Gianni Infantino confirms Iran will play World Cup games in USA

Head of world football also confirmed that he will seek re-election, with the Asian and African confederations supporting his bid.

1 May 2026 - 1:30PM

Iran

Iran ‘dying to make a deal’, US war costs soar: here’s what happened overnight

US President Donald Trump says only a few people know the status of talks with Tehran as war enters its third month.

1 May 2026 - 8:40AMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

Senate vote leaves Cuba’s uncertain future at dangerous crossroads

US Democrats failed on Tuesday in another attempt to limit Donald Trump’s authority to use military force against Cuba, so what’s next?

1 May 2026 - 8:30AMvideocam

2026 Xi-Trump summit

US and Chinese officials air concerns in build-up to Trump’s Beijing visit

Despite the latest diplomatic initiatives, Beijing warns the US is threatening ‘hard-won stability’ with new smartphone restrictions.

1 May 2026 - 10:10PMvideocam

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (left) and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke on Thursday. Photo: Reuters

South Korea

Could a ‘reckless’ Trump’s ‘destroy-and-deal’ tactics target North Korea?

A Korean-American leader said the strategy was influenced by ‘new neocons’, urging Seoul to prioritise risk management over diplomacy.

30 Apr 2026 - 3:41PMvideocam

The launch of a hypersonic missile at an undisclosed location in North Korea in January. Photo: KCNA via KNS/AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump may cut US troops in Germany after ‘humiliating’ Iran comment

The German chancellor has drawn the US president’s ire with his remarks about Tehran besting Washington at the negotiating table.

30 Apr 2026 - 7:46AM

US-China relations

UN bloated, costly, but China fears to keep US involved, House committee told

Pulling out of international organisation would see Beijing expand its influence and leave Washington at major disadvantage, lawmakers say.

30 Apr 2026 - 11:09PMvideocam

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Marco Rubio

Trump, Tehran and a Qatari tanker transit: here’s what happened overnight

US leader calls Iran’s response to its peace proposal ‘totally unacceptable’, while a Qatari ship passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran responds to US proposal, as Qatari tanker crosses Strait of Hormuz

US-Iran war no closer to ending as Gulf clashes flare

Xi-Trump summit: why the Iran war could become fresh point of friction

Both China and the US stand to gain from reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but they view the crisis through different lenses.

Beginning of the end? Trump announces 3-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire deal

US president says ceasefire will include suspension of all ‘kinetic activity’ and an exchange of prisoners.

Trump trade chief says US wants balanced trade, not change to China’s system

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer wants key meeting in Beijing to help ‘achieve more balance’ economically between the two countries.

New Israel-Lebanon talks to try to curb Hezbollah influence in region: Rubio

Marco Rubio says Washington is also awaiting Iran’s response to a new US proposal to end the conflict in the region.

US targets Cuba nickel operation in move affecting China-linked supply chains

Marco Rubio revealed sanctions on Thursday, escalating Trump administration’s pressure campaign against Havana’s military-controlled economy.

China’s study of Ukraine, Iran wars could sharpen Taiwan propaganda tactics

Beijing’s study of Iran, Ukraine wars could help hone its ability to wage information warfare against the US during a Taiwan Strait crisis.

Rubio meets Pope Leo at Vatican to defuse tensions with Trump

The meeting comes amid the US president’s repeated attacks on the pontiff over the Iran war and nuclear weapons.

Trump-Xi summit hides simmering trade tensions under the surface, experts say

Despite declarations of cooperation, friendship and respect from both sides, major trade conflict is brewing between the two superpowers.

US strikes Iranian tanker amid reports Washington and Tehran near deal

Trump reiterated that Iran ‘cannot have a nuclear weapon’ as both sides combined military pressure with diplomatic efforts to end deadlock.

Iran FA chief wants Fifa guarantee country’s special forces will not be insulted

Mehdi Taj, who turned back from Canadian border over ‘disrespectful treatment’, says the assurance is needed for the team to take part.

Is Rubio’s star rising in Trump world? Duel with Vance for 2028 heats up

Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s relaxed White House podium debut fuels buzz about his future.

‘He’s endangering a lot of Catholics’: Trump takes another shot at pope

US president’s latest criticism threatens to derail Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s high-stakes mission to Rome.

‘Golden Dome’ defence, new space rivals: 7 US-China relations reads

From a bloated UN to ‘red carpet’ visas for Chinese spies, here are highlights from our correspondents in the second half of April 2026.

Rubio to visit Rome, meet Pope Leo who has clashed with Trump

US secretary of state also seeks a meeting with Italy’s Meloni, whom Trump has also turned against.

Are US Air Force C-17s flying cars into Beijing for Trump’s China trip?

American military cargo planes have been spotted at the Chinese capital’s main airport, suggesting that the high-stakes visit is still on.

Taiwan’s William Lai lands in eSwatini on trip Beijing calls a political ‘stunt’

Lai travels to island sole African ally after earlier visit cancelled because of overflight permission withdrawn.

China trip will go ahead as planned – and it will be amazing, Trump insists

US president says the visit will go ahead as planned later this month despite the ongoing stalemate in peace talks with Iran.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Why US may regret pushing allies towards greater defence autonomy

The challenge for US policymakers in the aftermath of Trump’s presidency may be to restore US importance among like-minded countries.

Fifa President Gianni Infantino confirms Iran will play World Cup games in USA

Head of world football also confirmed that he will seek re-election, with the Asian and African confederations supporting his bid.

Iran ‘dying to make a deal’, US war costs soar: here’s what happened overnight

US President Donald Trump says only a few people know the status of talks with Tehran as war enters its third month.

Senate vote leaves Cuba’s uncertain future at dangerous crossroads

US Democrats failed on Tuesday in another attempt to limit Donald Trump’s authority to use military force against Cuba, so what’s next?

US and Chinese officials air concerns in build-up to Trump’s Beijing visit

Despite the latest diplomatic initiatives, Beijing warns the US is threatening ‘hard-won stability’ with new smartphone restrictions.

Could a ‘reckless’ Trump’s ‘destroy-and-deal’ tactics target North Korea?

A Korean-American leader said the strategy was influenced by ‘new neocons’, urging Seoul to prioritise risk management over diplomacy.

Trump may cut US troops in Germany after ‘humiliating’ Iran comment

The German chancellor has drawn the US president’s ire with his remarks about Tehran besting Washington at the negotiating table.

UN bloated, costly, but China fears to keep US involved, House committee told

Pulling out of international organisation would see Beijing expand its influence and leave Washington at major disadvantage, lawmakers say.

Opinion | Why US may regret pushing allies towards greater defence autonomy