One theoretical alternative is the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), but Rubin is skeptical: “Who really trusts the United Nations and U.N. agencies?”
Instead, Rubin believes the U.S. needs to proactively coordinate with allies to decide who could safely take custody of Iran’s nuclear materials if disarmament actually begins.
“If Trump is serious about getting Iran to forfeit its nuclear program, it’s time to start having a conversation with other allies about who could take command, control, and custody of this nuclear material until it’s out of Iranian hands,” he said.
His top pick? India.
“India is trusted by the Americans, they’re trusted by the Israelis, and they’re trusted — or at least tolerated — by the Iranians. That makes them uniquely positioned to step in,” Rubin explained. “But we have to stop reacting to crises and start planning ahead.”
Rubio Steps Up as Europe Hesitates
Rubin also pointed to rising tensions between Israel and Iran as a catalyst for renewed urgency and coordination. Referencing a famous line from former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher — who once told George H.W. Bush “Don’t go wobbly on me now” after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait — Rubin suggested that U.S. Senator Marco Rubio is now playing a similar role.
“I suspect Marco Rubio is filling Margaret Thatcher’s britches,” Rubin said. “He’s the one going around to our European allies right now saying, ‘Don’t go wobbly on me.’”
According to the State Department, Rubio has recently held conversations with key foreign ministers — including Australia’s Penny Wong and France’s Jean-Noël Barrot — as part of ongoing efforts to respond to the escalating Israel-Iran conflict.
“They agreed to continue to work together closely to commit to a path of peace and ensure that Iran never develops a nuclear weapon,” said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
A Pivotal Moment for Global Strategy
As world powers scramble to prevent a full-blown regional war, Rubin’s message is clear: the time to act is before Iran gives up its nukes, not after.
“If Europe has its way, they’ll always choose quiet over common sense,” Rubin warned. “But the U.S. and its allies can’t afford to sleepwalk into another crisis — not with nuclear material on the line.”