RismadarVoice Reporters
September 18, 2026
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has maintained a largely behind-the-scenes role in the Trump administration’s efforts to manage the Iran war and pursue negotiations, while continuing to oversee broader foreign policy responsibilities.
According to a report by NBC News, Rubio has provided guidance to US officials involved in negotiations with Iran, even though Vice President JD Vance, presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner have occupied more prominent roles in the diplomatic effort.
The report said Rubio was consulted during an April negotiating session in Pakistan after US officials became concerned that Iran was changing the terms of a possible agreement. Rubio reportedly advised that the Iranian proposal could not be accepted, effectively ending that round of negotiations.
Despite his limited public visibility on the Iran talks, Rubio has remained involved in shaping the administration’s broader strategy, according to NBC News interviews with current and former officials and people close to the White House.
Rubio occupies an unusually influential position in the administration, serving both as Secretary of State and national security adviser.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said Rubio’s relatively low profile in the Iran negotiations was partly because of his responsibility for other international matters, particularly relations with European allies and countries in the Western Hemisphere.
The arrangement has allowed other officials to take the lead publicly on the Iran negotiations while Rubio focuses on wider foreign policy issues and advises the President and negotiating team behind the scenes.
NBC News reported that Witkoff regularly consults Rubio before and after meetings involving the Iran negotiations.
Rubio’s role in the Iran conflict could also have implications for his political future, although the report stressed that his plans remain uncertain.
Rubio has publicly said he currently has no plans to seek the Republican presidential nomination in 2028. NBC News, however, cited people close to him as saying he has not completely ruled out a future presidential campaign.
One source said Rubio had privately considered the possibility that a presidential bid in 2032 or 2036 could present a different political landscape.
Another person close to him said he had not ruled out 2028 but was not discussing his plans.
Rubio has also reportedly considered leaving public office for the private sector after Trump’s second term.
Rubio and Trump, who were rivals during the 2016 Republican presidential primaries, have since developed a close working relationship.
NBC News reported that Rubio has frequent access to the President and is consulted on a range of policy and legislative issues.
White House officials have also praised Rubio’s performance as Secretary of State and national security adviser, describing him as an experienced adviser with significant knowledge of foreign policy and Congress.
Trump’s administration has given Rubio considerable latitude in managing his responsibilities, particularly outside the Iran portfolio.
Beyond the Iran conflict, Rubio has made the Western Hemisphere a major focus of his tenure at the State Department.
His responsibilities have included efforts relating to Venezuela, Cuba, illegal immigration and drug trafficking, as well as strengthening US relations with Latin American governments.
According to NBC News, Rubio has also been involved in the administration’s policy toward Cuba, reflecting his longstanding interest in the country, whose political system he has frequently criticised.
His supporters within the administration argue that progress on issues involving Venezuela and Cuba could form part of his foreign policy record.
The Republican Party’s political direction after the 2026 midterm elections is expected to become clearer as potential contenders begin positioning themselves for the 2028 presidential contest.
Rubio has not committed himself publicly to a presidential campaign.
NBC News reported that another possibility discussed by people familiar with his political future is a potential place on a future Republican presidential ticket, including a possible partnership with JD Vance.
For now, Rubio remains focused on his responsibilities in the Trump administration, with his political plans beyond the current administration still unsettled.
