The key lines from Rubio's hearing so farpublished at 17:27 Greenwich Mean Time
Leading on from our last post, we've just heard in Rubio's confirmation hearing for his nomination as secretary of state that a ceasefire deal has been reached in Gaza.
The hearing has just returned from a brief recess. Here's what we've heard so far:
- Rubio's opening statement was interrupted by protesters who were dragged out by Capitol Police
- He criticised the International Criminal Court for issuing an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying it sets a dangerous precedent and suggesting it should be dropped
- Rubio says it should be the US's position that the Russia-Ukraine "should be brought to an end", saying it could begin with some form of ceasefire deal without giving specifics
- As expected, Rubio took a tough line on China, warning that if the US doesn't make changes "virtually everything that matters to us in life will depend on whether china will allow us to have it or not"
- The Iranian regime is at its weakest point in recent memory, Rubio said, saying he thinks the US is open to an arrangement that allows for stability in the region but warning Iran could use concessions to rebuild their military and proxies