Rubio Directs US Diplomats to Halt Commentary That Could Undermine Iran Negotiations
In a significant diplomatic move, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a directive ordering American ambassadors across the Middle East to cease all public commentary that could potentially strain ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran. This instruction comes in response to mounting concerns within the White House following controversial remarks made by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.
Exclusive Memo Reveals Strict Messaging Discipline
According to an exclusive memo obtained by the Guardian, Rubio explicitly instructed Chiefs of Mission and embassy staff at designated posts to refrain from public statements, interviews, or social media activity that might inflame regional audiences, prejudice sensitive political issues, or complicate US relationships. The cable emphasized that "discipline in public messaging is essential, especially at this time."
The directive, circulated on February 23rd, was widely interpreted within the administration as a pointed rebuke of Ambassador Huckabee. This timing followed just two days after Huckabee's appearance on former Fox News host Tucker Carlson's podcast, where he asserted that Israel had a biblical right to significant portions of Middle Eastern land.
White House Alarm Over Huckabee's Comments
White House officials reacted with considerable alarm to Huckabee's remarks, fearing they could harden Iran's position ahead of crucial negotiations. These talks involved Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who were engaged in last-ditch efforts to secure a nuclear agreement that might prevent military conflict.
"The president is starting to get pissed with Huckabee for interfering with his negotiation," revealed a person familiar with the matter. "And he hasn't forgotten that his daughter refused to endorse him in the last campaign."
Failed Negotiations and Stricter Demands
The latest round of US-Iran talks, conducted in Geneva on Thursday, proved largely unsuccessful. Witkoff and Kushner returned to Washington disappointed after pushing Iran to:
- Destroy its three main nuclear enrichment sites at Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz
- Deliver its remaining nuclear stockpile to the United States
- Accept a permanent agreement without sunset provisions
These sites were previously targeted during Trump's bombing campaign last year. The administration insisted any new deal must be permanent, unlike the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action negotiated under President Obama, which Trump withdrew from during his first term.
Biblical Interpretation Sparks Regional Outrage
Huckabee's controversial comments emerged during a two-hour episode of The Tucker Carlson Show, where he discussed the biblical covenant between God and Abraham regarding land inheritance for Jewish descendants. While the ambassador suggested Israel could theoretically "take it all," he later clarified that "they're not asking to take it over."
Nevertheless, these remarks drew sharp criticism from Arab leaders across the region, who condemned them as a violation of diplomatic norms and an unnecessary provocation during delicate negotiations.
Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts
Secretary Rubio is expected to travel to Israel on Monday to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to sources familiar with the matter. Meanwhile, the State Department has declined to comment on the diplomatic cable or its implications for ongoing negotiations.
The situation remains tense as Iran continues to reject proposals to halt enrichment activities or ship enriched uranium abroad. The Guardian has previously reported that Trump's decision regarding potential airstrikes will depend partly on whether his envoys conclude Tehran is deliberately stalling for time in negotiations.
