Rubio Warns of Continued Iranian Threat, Cites Venezuela as Key Hub in the Americas
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted on december 4, 2025, that despite successful targeted strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities in June, the threat posed by Iran and its proxies remains ample, extending to the Western Hemisphere. Rubio warned of potential Iranian-backed assassinations and attacks within the United States and Europe, and specifically identified Venezuela as a critical operational base for iranian influence in South America.
The Secretary’s comments, made during a Fox News interview with Sean Hannity, come as the U.S.continues to assess the fallout from the June operation and monitor Iran’s response.While characterizing the strikes as a “great exmaple of the limited and strategic and focused use of American power to achieve something that’s in our national interest,” Rubio emphasized that Iran’s destabilizing activities have not ceased. He detailed a concerning expansion of iranian and Hezbollah presence in South America, with Venezuela serving as a key anchor point facilitated by the Maduro regime.
“Iran, its IRGC and even Hizbollah has a presence in south America, and one of their anchor presence – especially for the iranians - is inside of Venezuela… They have planted their flag in our hemisphere is on Venezuelan territory, with the full and open cooperation of that regime,” rubio stated.This assertion raises concerns about potential security implications for the region and the potential for Iran to project power closer to U.S. shores.
The U.S. has long accused Venezuela’s government of fostering close ties with Iran, including military and economic cooperation. These relationships have drawn criticism from Washington and other regional powers, who view them as undermining stability and potentially facilitating illicit activities. The secretary’s recent statements underscore the continued U.S. focus on countering Iranian influence in the Americas and addressing the security challenges posed by its partnership with Venezuela.
