Rubio argued that radical Islam considers the US “the chief source of evil,” adding that these groups do not seek limited territorial influence but aspire to dominate more regions and populations.
Washington DC [US], December 4, 2025, BNN Web Staff: US State Secretary Marco Rubio has issued a sharp warning over what he described as an “imminent threat” posed by radical Islamist groups worldwide. Speaking to Fox News on Wednesday, Rubio said extremist movements aim to expand their control globally, posing a serious danger to the United States and the broader Western world.
Rubio argued that radical Islam considers the US “the chief source of evil,” adding that these groups do not seek limited territorial influence but aspire to dominate more regions and populations.
“Radical Islam has shown their intention is not to remain confined to one region or build a small caliphate. Their movement is revolutionary — it aims to expand and control more territories and more people,” he said.
He further warned that extremist organisations are willing to carry out acts of terrorism, assassinations and other violent operations to exert their influence.
“They have openly declared their designs on the West — on the United States and Europe,” Rubio stated. “They are prepared to use terrorism, and in the case of Iran, even state-backed violence, to impose their domination.”
Rubio also announced new US visa restrictions on individuals involved in violence or persecution against Christians, particularly in Nigeria but also globally. In a post on X, he said the US will block entry for those who “direct, authorise, fund or support” religious violence.
“The United States is taking decisive action in response to atrocities and violence against Christians in Nigeria and around the world,” Rubio wrote. “This visa policy applies to Nigeria and any government or individual involved in persecuting people for their religious beliefs.”
His comments come after US President Donald Trump recently suggested that Washington could consider military action against Nigeria, alleging targeted killings of Christians in the country. The statement gained traction among right-wing and evangelical groups in the US.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth said he met Nigeria’s National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to discuss what he called “horrific violence” against Christians.
Nigeria has been grappling with extremist organisations such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) for over 15 years. The insurgency, concentrated largely in the northeast, has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions, according to Reuters.
