US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to face tough questioning from lawmakers on Tuesday over the Trump administration’s foreign policy, with the Iran conflict expected to dominate proceedings, AP reported.
Rubio will appear before House and Senate committees to defend the State Department’s annual budget request. However, lawmakers are likely to focus heavily on the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which has come under strain amid continued exchanges of attacks.
Rubio and other senior officials have defended President Donald Trump’s decision to enter the conflict. Trump had long pledged to avoid prolonged military involvement in the Middle East. Critics, however, accuse the administration of shifting objectives during the war.
Rubio took part in a classified briefing for lawmakers shortly after the conflict began on February 28, following initial US and Israeli strikes. At the time, Democrats raised concerns over the lack of congressional approval, while most Republicans backed the military action.
After two months of fighting, concerns have grown in both parties over rising costs and potential economic fallout ahead of this year’s midterm elections.
Last month, the Senate advanced a measure requiring Trump to end US involvement in the conflict. The push gained momentum after Republican Senator Bill Cassidy joined Democrats in support.
A similar resolution was expected in the House but Republican leaders blocked it after determining it might fail due to insufficient support.
The developments highlight widening divisions within the Republican Party, with some lawmakers increasingly willing to challenge Trump’s handling of the war.
Following Tuesday’s hearings before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a House Appropriations subcommittee, Rubio is scheduled to return to Capitol Hill on Wednesday for further testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee and a Senate Appropriations panel.
Lawmakers are also expected to question Rubio on the administration’s tougher stance toward Cuba. Trump has indicated that Cuba could become a future policy focus after the Iran situation is addressed.
Although US and Cuban officials have held several meetings, Trump and Rubio have continued issuing warnings to Havana. Tensions intensified after the administration announced criminal charges against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro.
Rubio, whose parents emigrated from Cuba, has long described the country as a security concern due to its ties with governments Washington views as adversaries. He has reiterated that the administration remains committed to addressing those concerns.
