Rubio Accuses Iran of Misusing Obama-Era Sanctions Relief
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has accused Iran of diverting funds received through sanctions relief under former President Barack Obama towards military expansion and regional proxy groups instead of investing in public infrastructure and social development.
SECRETARY RUBIO on IRAN: When Obama gave them sanctions relief, they didn't use that money to build up hospitals, roads, bridges, and universities. They used that money to build weapons and arm proxies in the region to attack us and other countries. https://t.co/mwYZ2araRb
β Department of State (@StateDept) November 10, 2026
Speaking on Iran, Rubio said the country did not use the financial relief to build hospitals, roads, bridges or universities. Instead, he alleged, the funds were channelled into weapons development and arming regional proxies to carry out attacks against the United States and other countries.
Rubio's remarks highlight Washington's longstanding criticism of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and its approach to sanctions relief, with US officials arguing that the financial benefits strengthened Iran's military capabilities and regional influence rather than improving the lives of its citizens.