Marco Rubio orders US officials to stop commentary that could strain Iran talks

"Giving rising tensions in the region, Chiefs of Mission and embassies at addressee posts must refrain from public statements, interviews, or social media activity that could in any way inflame regional audiences, prejudice sensitive political issues, or complicate US relationships, the cable said. Chiefs of Mission are expected to avoid all commentary on issues that could heighten tensions or create confusion about US policy."

"Inside the administration, the directive was widely interpreted as a pointed rebuke of the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, following his recent appearance on former Fox News host Tucker Carlson's podcast in which he said Israel had a biblical right to much of the land in the Middle East."

"The directive came as White House officials reacted with alarm to Huckabee's comments, concerned it could harden Iran's position ahead of last-ditch negotiations this week with Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for a nuclear deal to stave off a military conflict."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a directive to US ambassadors in the Middle East instructing them to refrain from public statements, interviews, or social media activity that could inflame regional tensions or complicate US relationships. The cable emphasized discipline in public messaging, particularly regarding issues that could heighten tensions or create confusion about US policy. The directive was widely interpreted as targeting US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee following his podcast appearance where he claimed Israel had biblical rights to Middle East land. White House officials expressed alarm that such comments could harden Iran's negotiating position ahead of nuclear deal discussions. The timing and circulation of the cable suggested it was specifically aimed at preventing further diplomatic complications during sensitive negotiations.

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