Interview Record: Secretary of State Marco Rubio on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” May 18, 2025

In the Midst of Global Tensions: A Conversation with Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Picture this: A bustling afternoon, phones buzzing, news flashing, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the center of it all, speaking from Rome. There’s a mix of optimism and caution in his voice, as he navigates the rocky terrain of international diplomacy. Just last week, the Vatican, with its generous offer, suggested hosting a direct meeting between Ukraine and Russia. But the real question lingering is whether President Putin will ever step up to the Vatican’s olive branch.

Secretary Rubio, in his usual straightforward manner, mentions the Kremlin’s openness to a meeting, but with a caveat-conditions must be right. It’s a classic diplomatic tango. The Vatican is more than willing to open its doors for any meetings, be it between Zelenskyy and Putin, or at a more technical level. It’s a setting that might just appeal to all involved. Perhaps, if talks pick up, we could see the Vatican become a bustling hub for these crucial negotiations.

The conversation shifts gears to Rubio’s recent call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. In it, they touched upon the recent talks in Istanbul. While not groundbreaking, a prisoner exchange of 1,000 individuals was a beacon of hope in the complex situation. There’s talk of documents outlining requirements for a potential cease-fire-perhaps a sliver of light in an otherwise bleak scenario.

Now, patience isn’t infinite, and Rubio acknowledges the ticking clock. Is Russia merely stalling with endless talks? He’s candid about testing these waters. If the papers exchanged reflect realistic ideas, there might be progress. But if not, the narrative changes. As Rubio puts it, there’s a balance to strike between achieving peace and not being dragged into endless, fruitless discussions.

From Europe, the spotlight swings to Venezuela. A Venezuelan gang, TdA, has been labeled a terror group by the U.S., but disagreements abound. Rubio stands firm, supported by the FBI, on the gang’s ties to the Maduro government. It’s a tangled web of geopolitics and security, where the National Intelligence Council holds a different view, but Rubio’s belief is unwavering.

And then, a pivot to South Africa-where reports suggest Afrikaners face threats and property confiscation. Rubio frames it as a humanitarian issue, challenging those who criticize the U.S. stance. It’s a thorny subject, with history and politics intertwined, much like the rest of the world he’s dealing with.

Finally, the Middle East-a familiar ground of unrest. The president’s goal is clear: to end the conflict in Gaza. Yet, the road is strewn with complexities, and any solution seems elusive. Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu is committed to eradicating Hamas, but there’s a broader picture. The administration hopes for a future where Gaza is free from Hamas and its people can thrive. Ambassador Witkoff works tirelessly to navigate these turbulent waters, seeking a resolution that ensures peace and security for Israel while paving a path for a prosperous Gaza.

Through all this, one can’t help but notice the delicate balancing act that Rubio performs. As he bids farewell to Margaret Brennan, one thing is clear-his day is far from over. For more on the global situation and evolving diplomatic landscapes, visit the latest coverage on BBC News.