Vance vs. Rubio: Iran war becomes early dividing line in 2028 Republican race

Marco Rubio defended the Iran war and declined to discuss 2028 days after JD Vance blamed the war for Republican midterm losses, giving the two men opposing positions on an issue that could shape the 2028 Republican primary.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended the Iran war and declined to discuss 2028 in an interview with The New York Times, two days after Vice President JD Vance blamed the war for Republican losses in the midterms. The two are widely seen as potential 2028 Republican contenders.

Rubio acknowledged gas prices are nothing to brag about but said President Donald Trump “deserves a tremendous amount of credit” for the war. “That is the price of leadership… the willingness to do things that may not be politically popular,” he said. He rejected reports he is leaving, saying he will serve to the end of the term. Asked about a presidential run, he said: “I literally will not talk about 2028 anymore.”

Vance wrote on X: “The reason we lost is the war. The president himself said so last night,” The Center Square reported. He said voters wanted an end to the war, a focus on cost of living and inflation, an America First approach and a changed relationship with Israel. Trump said he believed Iran was “part” of the reason Republicans lost but still defends the strike.

The Independent reported, in a story republished by The Jerusalem Post, that Rubio was among four or five senior Trump officials who may resign after the midterms to prepare for 2028 bids. Anonymous sources said he would need to distance himself from the war to improve his chances. The White House called the report “baseless, false conspiracy theories.” State Department official Dylan Johnson called it “completely baseless fake news.” Rubio said in September he had “no plans at this time” to seek the White House and has said he would step aside if Vance runs.

In Center Square polling, Vance led the Republican field at 44%, ahead of Rubio at 18%, DeSantis at 8% and Cruz at 5%. Trump has repeatedly declined to say whether he backs Vance.