Rubio Warns U.S. at Critical Juncture With Iran as Nuclear Threat Grows

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a stark warning about Iran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program, calling it a “critical moment” for the United States and its allies to act decisively, as per Fox News.

Rubio said Iran is dangerously close to becoming a nuclear weapons state and emphasized the urgent need to contain its uranium enrichment capabilities.

“They are at the threshold of a nuclear weapon. If they decided to do so, they could do so very quickly,” Rubio said during the interview, which took place while he was visiting Turkey. “If they stockpile enough of that 60 percent enriched [uranium], they could very quickly turn it into 90 and weaponize it. That’s the danger we face right now.”

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently reported a sharp increase in Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, noting that it grew from 182 kilograms to 275 kilograms (approximately 401 to 606 pounds) in early 2025. Uranium enriched to 60% is considered close to weapons-grade, with 90% enrichment required for a nuclear bomb.

“Once you’re at 60, you’re 90% of the way there,” Rubio added. “Too close for comfort.”

The comments come as U.S. and Iranian officials have reportedly held four rounds of talks in Oman since President Donald Trump returned to office. Trump indicated from Qatar this week that negotiations toward a new nuclear agreement are progressing, saying, “Iran has sort of agreed to the terms.” However, he stressed that Iran must never be permitted to develop a nuclear weapon.

Back in Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s insistence on retaining its civilian nuclear infrastructure.

“None of our nuclear enrichment facilities will be dismantled,” Araghchi said Thursday during a book-signing event, according to The New York Times.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who holds ultimate authority over nuclear policy, has not publicly responded to the ongoing talks. Rubio emphasized that the final decision lies with Khamenei: “I hope he chooses the path of peace and prosperity, not a destructive path, and we’ll see how that plays out.”

In addition to its nuclear ambitions, Iran continues to draw international scrutiny over its ballistic missile program and support for proxy forces across the Middle East. In February, the White House announced a reinvigorated “maximum pressure” campaign targeting Iran’s military expansion and regional destabilization efforts.

Meanwhile, Rubio confirmed that all NATO allies are on track to commit to increasing their defense spending to 5% of GDP by the NATO Summit in June, a response to escalating global threats.