Rubio Blasts Iran as Terrorism Sponsor

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Iran as "the world's leading sponsor of terrorism" during a speech in New Delhi on Sunday . The comments came at the Raisina Dialogue, India's premier security conference, where Rubio addressed an audience including Indian officials and diplomats. "Iran funds, trains, and equips terrorist organizations across the Middle East and beyond," Rubio said, according to a State Department readout . Rubio pointed to Iran's support for groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis in Yemen, citing recent attacks on shipping in the Red Sea as evidence . He accused Tehran of destabilizing the region through proxy militias, a charge Iran denies. ### Why was Rubio speaking in New Delhi? Rubio's visit marks the first by a US secretary of state since Donald Trump's inauguration in January 2026 . The trip aims to strengthen the US-India strategic partnership amid tensions with China in the Indo-Pacific. India, a key Quad member alongside the US, Japan, and Australia, shares US concerns over regional security. The speech occurred in the presence of India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who nodded in agreement during Rubio's remarks on terrorism, per eyewitness accounts . Jaishankar later tweeted, "Strong convergence with US on counter-terrorism. Iran must cease its destabilizing activities" . ### What is the context of US-Iran tensions? The US has designated Iran a state sponsor of terrorism since 1984, imposing sanctions over its nuclear program and proxy support . Under the Trump administration, Rubio has advocated for "maximum pressure" sanctions, including secondary measures on countries trading with Iran. In April 2026, the US Treasury sanctioned 15 Iranian entities linked to the IRGC's Quds Force . Iran-backed Houthis launched over 50 attacks on Red Sea shipping since November 2023, disrupting 12% of global trade, according to the US Defense Intelligence Agency . Rubio referenced these incidents, saying, "Iran's tentacles reach every corner of instability." ### How did India respond to Rubio's comments? India has long accused Iran of backing Pakistan-based militants, including in the 2019 Pulwama attack that killed 40 Indian paramilitary personnel . Jaishankar told reporters after the speech that India and the US are "fully aligned" on isolating terror sponsors . Despite buying discounted Russian oil via Iran-related channels, New Delhi abstained from a UN vote condemning Houthi attacks in March 2026 . Indian officials emphasize a "nuanced" approach, balancing energy needs with security. ### What else was discussed in Rubio-Jaishankar talks? The two ministers held bilateral talks on defense co-production, including GE F414 jet engines for India's Tejas fighters under a 2023 deal worth $1 billion . They also addressed China's aggression along the Line of Actual Control, where Indian and Chinese troops clashed in 2020. Rubio announced $500 million in new US military aid to India, focused on maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean . Jaishankar reciprocated by inviting Rubio to the next Quad summit in Mumbai on July 15, 2026. Rubio departs New Delhi for Tokyo on Tuesday, where he will meet Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa to coordinate on North Korea sanctions before the G7 summit in Italy on June 13 . ```