‘Trump Is Open To Meeting Khamenei’: Marco Rubio On US-Iran Tensions

Last Updated:February 14, 2026, 22:47 IST

Marco Rubio urged Europe to renew US ties, discussed alliance changes, migration, security, and got cautious backing from Merz, von der Leyen, and Starmer.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on European leaders to return to what he described as their shared civilisational roots with the United States, while seeking to reassure allies about Washington’s long-term commitment to the continent.

Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Rubio struck a balancing tone, affirming transatlantic ties but warning that the alliance must evolve.

“We want Europe to prosper because we’re interconnected in so many different ways, and because our alliance is so critical," Rubio said. “But it has to be an alliance of allies that are capable and willing to fight for who they are and what’s important."

‘Heirs To The Same Civilisation’

Rubio emphasised cultural and historical bonds between the US and Europe, saying both sides are “heirs to the same civilisation" one rooted in shared history, Christian faith, culture and language.

Referencing icons from Michelangelo to the Rolling Stones and even joking about American beer Rubio underscored what he framed as deep cultural ties. However, he coupled that message with pointed criticism, saying Washington had no interest “in being polite and orderly caretakers of the West’s managed decline."

He warned of what he described as “an unprecedented wave of mass migration that threatens the cohesion of our societies" and argued that Europe must address internal vulnerabilities.

Clarifying Trump’s Approach

Rubio said his remarks were built on a speech delivered earlier at the conference and elaborated on positions previously articulated by US Vice President JD Vance at the same forum a year ago.

Tensions between the US and Europe have deepened over the past year amid tariff disputes, former President Donald Trump’s renewed suggestion that the US could take control of Greenland, and a US National Security Strategy warning of Europe’s potential “civilisational erasure."

“The alliance has to change," Rubio said. “When we come off as urgent or even critical about decisions that Europe has failed to make or made, it is because we care."

Russia-Ukraine War

On the war in Ukraine, Rubio said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin’s objectives may have narrowed, suggesting Moscow now seeks to consolidate control over the remaining 20% of the Donetsk region not yet occupied by its forces.

He also defended President Trump’s decision to deploy a second US aircraft carrier to the Middle East, describing it as a deterrent move to ensure Iran does not escalate tensions further.

Rubio said Trump would prefer a diplomatic agreement with Iran and even left open the possibility of a meeting with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

“I serve under a president that’s willing to meet with anybody," Rubio said. “If the Ayatollah said tomorrow he wanted to meet with President Trump, the president would meet him — not because he agrees with the Ayatollah, but because he thinks that’s the way you solve problems."

European Reactions

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently warned that the transatlantic relationship must evolve and cautioned against a return to great power politics, urging Europe to strengthen its security and strategic independence.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was reassured by Rubio’s tone but added that “some lines have been crossed that cannot be uncrossed."

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed the need for vigilance, warning that Europe “shouldn’t get in the warm bath of complacency" over its defence and security.

Despite strains, Rubio’s address received strong applause at its conclusion. Wolfgang Ischinger, chairman of the Munich Security Conference, told him there had been a “sigh of relief" in the hall, interpreting his message as one of partnership rather than rupture.

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