Paul's surprise decision came minutes before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee was to vote on Pompeo's nomination, and likely switches the result.

Pompeo looked to be headed for a defeat, but if all 11 Republicans on the committee back him, he will win the panel's recommendation in an 11-10 vote even with every committee Democrat voting "no."

Having received assurances from President Trump and Director Pompeo that he agrees with the President on these important issues, I have decided to support his nomination to be our next Secretary of State. — Senator Rand Paul (@RandPaul) April 23, 2018

Paul's previous opposition to Pompeo would have made the CIA director the first secretary of State nominee since the mid-1920s to be moved to the floor despite getting an unfavorable committee vote.

The senator previously said he would "do everything I can to block" Pompeo, citing his support of the Iraq War and views on enhanced interrogation techniques.