US Warns Iran ‘Too Close for Comfort’ to Nuclear Weapons

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Iran is “too close for comfort” to acquiring nuclear weapons, underscoring heightened concerns over Tehran’s uranium enrichment and missile capabilities.

Speaking from Turkey in an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Rubio issued a stark assessment of Iran’s nuclear progress and called the regime the primary sponsor of terrorism in the Middle East.

Newsweek has reached out to the State Department and Iran’s foreign ministry for comment.

Why It Matters

The warning comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and diplomatic efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Rubio’s comments reflect a broader U.S. strategy to deter Tehran through pressure while keeping the door open to peaceful resolution. President Donald Trump, having just visited the region, reinforced this posture with public remarks signaling that diplomacy is still possible but not guaranteed. Talks between U.S. and Iranian officials remain ongoing but face significant challenges.

What to Know

Rubio said Iran has enriched uranium to 60 percent purity, just short of the 90 percent required for weapons-grade material. “Once you’re at 60, you’re 90 percent of the way there,” he said. According to Rubio, this means Iran could produce a nuclear weapon quickly if it chooses to do so. He added that Iran has long-range missiles capable of carrying a nuclear payload and is openly advancing its program after the 2015 nuclear deal collapsed when Trump withdrew the U.S. from the agreement.

Trump’s Middle East Tour

The interview comes as the U.S. President concluded a high-profile visit to the Middle East. Speaking in the UAE before he left, Trump addressed growing tensions with Tehran, warning that a peaceful resolution remains possible, but is not assured.

“We have an Iran situation, which we’re going to take care of. One way or the other, we’re taking care of,” he said. “It’ll be taken care of 100 percent. It’ll be done nicely or not nicely. And the not nicely is not a good thing for them.”

Iran Defends Its Nuclear Ambitions

Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said during a visit to Indonesia that Iran will not pursue nuclear weapons but will continue to expand its nuclear capabilities for peaceful purposes. “Iran will never go toward building a nuclear weapon,” he stated, adding that “using nuclear capacity is our right.”

What People Are Saying

Seth Krummrich, Retired U.S. Army Colonel and Vice President at Global Guardian told Newsweek: “I believe the Middle East is the US’s center of gravity for President Trump’s second term, the place where he will make or break his Presidential legacy…I expect the U.S. will make a significant outreach to Iran.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned: “They are at the threshold of a nuclear weapon. If they decided to do so, they could do so very quickly.”

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said: “Iran will never go toward building a nuclear weapon, but using nuclear capacity is our right.”

U.S. President Donald Trump stated: “We have an Iran situation, which we’re going to take care of. One way or the other, we’re taking care of.”

What Happens Next

A fifth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks is expected to begin soon, aiming to bridge key differences over uranium enrichment and sanctions relief; however, Rubio emphasized that the U.S. remains ready to escalate pressure on Iran should diplomatic efforts fail.