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“I know of no other country where there’s a bigger difference between the people that lead the country and the people who live there,” Rubio said, arguing that the Trump administration’s long-term hope “resides in that.”

Rubio said the US is ready for diplomatic negotiations — even after US forces shot down an Iranian drone on Tuesday as it “aggressively approached” the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. Talks had been scheduled for Friday, he said, with US envoy Steve Witkoff “ready to go” if Tehran agrees to show up.

“The United States is prepared to meet with them,” Rubio said, noting that Iran had previously accepted a framework before shifting course. “If the Iranians want to meet, we’re ready. They’ve expressed an interest in meeting and talking.”

“I’m not sure you can reach a deal with these guys, but we’re going to try to find out,” he added.