"INSANE IN THE BRAIN": Sec. Rubio on Iran & America's New "Project Freedom"

About this episode

Sec. Rubio discusses U.S. actions and policies regarding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions and economic implications.

Sec. Rubio takes the podium ... in the White House Press Briefing room? Jenna reports on the Secretary of State briefly serving as de facto White House press secretary Tuesday, fielding questions on Iran. Note this update: Hours after America's top diplomat spoke at the White House, President Trump announced progress in talks with Iran AND a pause of Project Freedom. Here's how we got to this point: Sec. Rubio confirmed that Operation Epic Fury has ended (we explain) and outlined a new effort, Project Freedom, aimed at reopening shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz amid what he called Iran’s blockade and piracy. Sec. Rubio says  about 23,000 civilians from 87 countries remain stranded at sea due to Iran's illegal actions in the Strait, and says 10 civilian sailors have died since the war has begun due to the blockade. He stressed the mission is defensive—U.S. forces will respond only if attacked—confirming the U.S. destroyed seven Iranian fast boats who threatened the U.S. efforts. Rubio argued Americans should care about Iran and the Strait of Hormuz due to the global economic impacts of the waterway as well as the precedent set if Iran can shut down the freedom of…

People in this episode

Host: Jenna

Guest: Sec. Rubio

Topics covered

• Iran
• U.S. foreign policy
• Strait of Hormuz
• Project Freedom
• global economy
• military operations

Keywords

• Iran
• Strait of Hormuz
• Project Freedom
• U.S. military
• gas prices
• Operation Epic Fury
• global economy
• shipping lanes

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: White House, U.S., Iran, China, Trump-Xi

Places: Strait of Hormuz

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