"INSANE IN THE BRAIN": Sec. Rubio on Iran & America's New "Project Freedom"
"INSANE IN THE BRAIN": Sec. Rubio on Iran & America's New "Project Freedom"  
Podcast: SmartHER News
Published On: Wed May 06 2026
Description: Sec. Rubio takes the podium ... in the White House Press Briefing room? Jenna reports on the Secretary of State briefly serving as de facto White House press secretary Tuesday, fielding questions on Iran. Note this update: Hours after America's top diplomat spoke at the White House, President Trump announced progress in talks with Iran AND a pause of Project Freedom. Here's how we got to this point: Sec. Rubio confirmed that Operation Epic Fury has ended (we explain) and outlined a new effort, Project Freedom, aimed at reopening shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz amid what he called Iran's blockade and piracy. Sec. Rubio says  about 23,000 civilians from 87 countries remain stranded at sea due to Iran's illegal actions in the Strait, and says 10 civilian sailors have died since the war has begun due to the blockade. He stressed the mission is defensive—U.S. forces will respond only if attacked—confirming the U.S. destroyed seven Iranian fast boats who threatened the U.S. efforts. Rubio argued Americans should care about Iran and the Strait of Hormuz due to the global economic impacts of the waterway as well as the precedent set if Iran can shut down the freedom of navigation in international waters. Jenna asks about the effectiveness of Sec. Rubio's argument as Americans experience higher gas prices and provides a quick update on  upcoming Iran-China and Trump-Xi meetings. References: Triple AAA Fuel Gauge Report 00:00 Rubio Takes Podium 00:28 Briefing Room Chaos 01:24 Cypress Hill Moment 02:47 Why Rubio Was Picked 04:14 War Powers Deadline 05:33 Project Freedom Explained 08:10 Defensive Rules of Engagement 11:07 Allies and Navigation Law 13:07 Why Americans Should Care 17:37 Gas Prices and Inflation 20:13 China Meetings and Wrap SUPPORT OUR MISSION: Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headlines?  Here's how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/    Shop our gear!  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/  Website: https://smarthernews.com/  YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews