“The Man Shaping American Policy”

Chosen for his leadership at the center of U.S. foreign policy: As America's top diplomat, and serving as National Security Advisor in 2026 as well, Rubio has played a central role in shaping Washington's response to Iran and its support for Israel.

They want money for two things: to sponsor terrorism and ultimately to have a nuclear weapon. And we can't allow that to happen.

Marco Rubio, September

This year, Rubio emerged as one of the administration's most influential voices on the Iranian threat. As the United States and Israel confronted the Islamic Republic, Rubio repeatedly made clear that any diplomatic resolution would have to address not only Iran's nuclear ambitions, but also its support for Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist proxies.

In June, he told Congress that Iran would have to accept severe, long-term limitations on its nuclear program, including disposing of its highly enriched uranium, before Washington would ease pressure on Tehran. Rubio also pushed European allies to strengthen sanctions on Iran, and supported efforts to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, measures praised by the American Jewish Committee as critical to confronting the Iranian regime.

His influence extended directly into the U.S.-Israel relationship. In 2026, Rubio became a prominent voice in defending Israel's security interests while working to strengthen regional arrangements designed to counter Iran and its proxies. His hawkish position on Iran has earned him strong support among pro-Israel Jewish Republicans and Democrats alike.

At a moment when questions over America's commitment to Israel have intensified, Rubio has made the Iranian threat a crucial priority of American foreign policy.

That is why Marco Rubio is No. 2 on The 36.