Secretary of State Marco Rubio has advised US officials stationed in the Middle East to refrain from making comments that could make the already dicey diplomatic situation between Iran and the US worse. Rubio's remarks follow an appearance made by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on Tucker Carlson's podcast.
After the interview, Huckabee made the rounds of television shows to talk about talking to Carlson and his views on Israel and the Middle East. All of this comes as tensions continue to rise in the region and US aides are attempting to handle negotiations on Iran's nuclear capability calm. A person "familiar with the matter" told The Guardian that "the president is starting to get pissed with Huckabee for interfering with his negotiation."
In a cable sent by Rubio, obtained by The Guardian, Rubio said, "Given 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."
"Chiefs of Mission are expected to avoid all commentary on issues that could heighten tensions or create confusion about US policy. Discipline in public messaging is essential, especially at this time," it went on to say.
Carlson had suggested in the interview that Trump could be taking Israel's counsel on foreign policy matters, which Huckabee said was "offensive." Rubio did not name Huckabee in the memo.
"It’s very offensive to think that President Trump is, as Tucker Carlson characterized it, somebody who is being pushed around by Israel. That is the most nonsensical thing," Huckabee said following the interview.
For his part, Huckabee had said he thought it would be "fine" is Israel took over the Middle East and that the area of the Levant "from the river of Egypt until the great river, the Euphrates," should by rights be Israeli territory. Carlson disagreed.
Iran is a supporter of Hamas and the Palestinian cause and a staunch enemy to Israel. Huckabee later clarified, saying, "We’re talking about this land that Israel, the state of Israel, now lives in and wants to have peace in. They’re not trying to take over Jordan. They’re not trying to take over Syria. They’re not trying to take over Iraq or anywhere else, but they do want to protect their people."
On Friday, the American Embassy in Jerusalem told non-essential government personnel that if they wished to leave the region they should do so right away. The US has moved warships, fighter planes, and its largest aircraft carrier into the region.
After the interview, Huckabee made the rounds of television shows to talk about talking to Carlson and his views on Israel and the Middle East. All of this comes as tensions continue to rise in the region and US aides are attempting to handle negotiations on Iran's nuclear capability calm. A person "familiar with the matter" told The Guardian that "the president is starting to get pissed with Huckabee for interfering with his negotiation."
In a cable sent by Rubio, obtained by The Guardian, Rubio said, "Given 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."
"Chiefs of Mission are expected to avoid all commentary on issues that could heighten tensions or create confusion about US policy. Discipline in public messaging is essential, especially at this time," it went on to say.
Carlson had suggested in the interview that Trump could be taking Israel's counsel on foreign policy matters, which Huckabee said was "offensive." Rubio did not name Huckabee in the memo.
"It’s very offensive to think that President Trump is, as Tucker Carlson characterized it, somebody who is being pushed around by Israel. That is the most nonsensical thing," Huckabee said following the interview.
For his part, Huckabee had said he thought it would be "fine" is Israel took over the Middle East and that the area of the Levant "from the river of Egypt until the great river, the Euphrates," should by rights be Israeli territory. Carlson disagreed.
Iran is a supporter of Hamas and the Palestinian cause and a staunch enemy to Israel. Huckabee later clarified, saying, "We’re talking about this land that Israel, the state of Israel, now lives in and wants to have peace in. They’re not trying to take over Jordan. They’re not trying to take over Syria. They’re not trying to take over Iraq or anywhere else, but they do want to protect their people."
On Friday, the American Embassy in Jerusalem told non-essential government personnel that if they wished to leave the region they should do so right away. The US has moved warships, fighter planes, and its largest aircraft carrier into the region.
