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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

Italy

Rubio to visit Pope Leo in Rome in attempt to ‘thaw’ relations after Trump row

The Vatican said the US secretary of state’s meeting would take place on Thursday, weeks after Trump criticised the pope’s anti-war rhetoric.

1 hour agovideocam

2026 Trump-Xi summit

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

3 May 2026 - 6:00PM

Taiwan

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

2 May 2026 - 9:11PM

2026 Trump-Xi 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

US President Donald Trump said his upcoming visit to China will be great. Photo: AP

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

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

US President Donald Trump takes questions at a press conference in the Oval Office. Photo: EPA

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 Trump-Xi 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

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 President Donald Trump speaks during a press briefing at the White House on Saturday. Photo: AFP

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

US-China trade war

Trump urged by Democrats to keep US ban on Chinese cars as Xi meeting looms

US lawmakers warn of ‘irreversible’ consequences for industry ahead of Trump’s planned summit with Chinese President ⁠Xi Jinping next month.

29 Apr 2026 - 8:50AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump and Iran trade red lines as Putin enters the diplomatic crossfire

Message via Pakistan outlines terms on nuclear work and Strait of Hormuz, as Moscow signals support and Washington considers next move.

28 Apr 2026 - 8:57AMvideocam

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, meets Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday in St Petersburg. Photo: AP

Donald Trump

Washington shooting exposes gaps in security protocols for Trump

Officials say security perimeter around the president may need expanding after shooter targeted prominent media gala.

27 Apr 2026 - 2:32PM

Donald Trump

Press dinner shooting casts fresh spotlight on Trump’s security

The attack suggests that even the most extensive personal security apparatus in the US has vulnerabilities.

27 Apr 2026 - 7:09AMvideocam

US-China relations

US and EU sign critical minerals plan in push to loosen China’s grip

Western nations are seeking to diversify their supply chains for resources used to make semiconductors, EVs and advanced weapons.

25 Apr 2026 - 3:07AM

Fifa

US says Iran welcome at World Cup, distances itself from envoy’s Italy proposal

Secretary of State denies that Washington had asked Iranian team not to come, but warns that some members of delegation may not be welcome.

24 Apr 2026 - 4:00PM

A replica of the Fifa World Cup trophy displayed in a shop in Tehran, Iran on Thursday. Photo: Reuters

US-China relations

Exclusive | Trump ally to visit China as US turns up pressure before May summit

Republican senator to lead bipartisan delegation to China next week; visit will begin on May 1, with stops planned in Shanghai and Beijing.

24 Apr 2026 - 6:59PMvideocam

Donald Trump

‘China or India or some other hellhole’: Trump reposts anti-immigrant rant

India’s foreign ministry called the remarks ‘obviously uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste’.

24 Apr 2026 - 6:07AM

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump says Israel and Lebanon agree to extend ceasefire by 3 weeks

The US president says he sees ‘great chance’ of a peace deal between the two countries this year after White House talks went ‘very well’.

24 Apr 2026 - 4:38PMvideocam

US President Donald Trump holds a briefing in the Oval Office at the White House about the ceasefire extension. Photo: Reuters

United States

Washington’s ‘psyop’ propaganda push could backfire, analysts say

Amid slipping global approval, the US is risking its credibility by turning to tactics it once condemned.

22 Apr 2026 - 9:00PM

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly told embassies and consulates to launch coordinated campaigns to boost the country’s image. Photo: Reuters

Pacific nations

Pacific Islanders skip food, medicine amid global fuel shortage from Iran war

Pacific nations are the most reliant on diesel for power generation worldwide. They imported about 2.2 million tonnes of fuel in 2025.

22 Apr 2026 - 9:37AM

Donald Trump

Trump reads from Bible after high-profile clash with pope

The US president has faced rare criticism from his evangelical supporters for sharing a meme in which he appears as a Jesus-like healer.

22 Apr 2026 - 6:26PMvideocam

US-China relations

US must make more bombers, bring China in on nuclear arms talks: senator

Republican Deb Fischer, whose subcommittee oversees US nuclear arsenal, insisted Beijing must be part of any future treaty negotiations.

21 Apr 2026 - 6:29AMvideocam

DF-5C nuclear missiles are displayed during a military parade in Beijing in September 2025. Photo: Reuters

Cuba

Cuba’s president says island does not wish for US aggression, but ready to fight

Cuba has been bracing for a possible attack following repeated warnings from Trump after he toppled Venezuela’s leader.

17 Apr 2026 - 11:35AM

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel marking the 65th anniversary of Fidel Castro’s declaration of the socialist character of the Cuban Revolution. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

Israel and Lebanon begin 10-day ceasefire as US pushes broader deal

A pause in fighting may help ease tensions with Iran, as Trump eyes a White House meeting between the leaders of Israel and Lebanon.

17 Apr 2026 - 5:25PM

US-China relations

China warns travellers to avoid Seattle airport after academics denied entry to US

About 20 Chinese scholars going to conference harassed and interrogated at border, Beijing says.

17 Apr 2026 - 10:05AMvideocam

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Marco Rubio

Rubio to visit Pope Leo in Rome in attempt to ‘thaw’ relations after Trump row

The Vatican said the US secretary of state’s meeting would take place on Thursday, weeks after Trump criticised the pope’s anti-war rhetoric.

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

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

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.

Trump urged by Democrats to keep US ban on Chinese cars as Xi meeting looms

US lawmakers warn of ‘irreversible’ consequences for industry ahead of Trump’s planned summit with Chinese President ⁠Xi Jinping next month.

Trump and Iran trade red lines as Putin enters the diplomatic crossfire

Message via Pakistan outlines terms on nuclear work and Strait of Hormuz, as Moscow signals support and Washington considers next move.

Washington shooting exposes gaps in security protocols for Trump

Officials say security perimeter around the president may need expanding after shooter targeted prominent media gala.

Press dinner shooting casts fresh spotlight on Trump’s security

The attack suggests that even the most extensive personal security apparatus in the US has vulnerabilities.

US and EU sign critical minerals plan in push to loosen China’s grip

Western nations are seeking to diversify their supply chains for resources used to make semiconductors, EVs and advanced weapons.

US says Iran welcome at World Cup, distances itself from envoy’s Italy proposal

Secretary of State denies that Washington had asked Iranian team not to come, but warns that some members of delegation may not be welcome.

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | Trump ally to visit China as US turns up pressure before May summit

Republican senator to lead bipartisan delegation to China next week; visit will begin on May 1, with stops planned in Shanghai and Beijing.

‘China or India or some other hellhole’: Trump reposts anti-immigrant rant

India’s foreign ministry called the remarks ‘obviously uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste’.

Trump says Israel and Lebanon agree to extend ceasefire by 3 weeks

The US president says he sees ‘great chance’ of a peace deal between the two countries this year after White House talks went ‘very well’.

Washington’s ‘psyop’ propaganda push could backfire, analysts say

Amid slipping global approval, the US is risking its credibility by turning to tactics it once condemned.

Pacific Islanders skip food, medicine amid global fuel shortage from Iran war

Pacific nations are the most reliant on diesel for power generation worldwide. They imported about 2.2 million tonnes of fuel in 2025.

Trump reads from Bible after high-profile clash with pope

The US president has faced rare criticism from his evangelical supporters for sharing a meme in which he appears as a Jesus-like healer.

US must make more bombers, bring China in on nuclear arms talks: senator

Republican Deb Fischer, whose subcommittee oversees US nuclear arsenal, insisted Beijing must be part of any future treaty negotiations.

Cuba’s president says island does not wish for US aggression, but ready to fight

Cuba has been bracing for a possible attack following repeated warnings from Trump after he toppled Venezuela’s leader.

Israel and Lebanon begin 10-day ceasefire as US pushes broader deal

A pause in fighting may help ease tensions with Iran, as Trump eyes a White House meeting between the leaders of Israel and Lebanon.

China warns travellers to avoid Seattle airport after academics denied entry to US

About 20 Chinese scholars going to conference harassed and interrogated at border, Beijing says.

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

Exclusive | Trump ally to visit China as US turns up pressure before May summit