US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Iran has shown willingness to discuss aspects of its nuclear program that it previously refused to negotiate. Rubio highlighted that Iran’s military capabilities have been significantly weakened, paving the way for potential new talks following recent US military actions against Tehran.
Rubio, speaking before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, emphasized that Iran is now open to engaging on issues that were previously off the table. He noted that Iran’s agreement to negotiate parts of its nuclear program marks a significant shift from its previous stance of avoidance.
During the hearing, Rubio defended President Donald Trump’s proposed State Department budget, with a focus on Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and broader foreign policy matters. He praised recent US military operations against Iran, stating that these actions have hindered Tehran’s ability to protect its nuclear program with conventional military power.
Rubio underscored the success of “Operation Epic Fury” in damaging Iran’s missile production capabilities and military infrastructure. He pointed out that Iran’s ambitions to develop a nuclear weapon were impeded by the operation, which aimed to prevent Iran from using conventional military assets to shield its nuclear program.
Committee Chairman Jim Risch commended the administration’s approach towards Iran, while Rubio criticized Tehran for not fulfilling its commitment to reopen the Strait of Hormuz following a ceasefire. Rubio also highlighted the economic impact on Iran due to the effective blockade imposed by the US on Iranian shipping.
In response to Democratic Senators’ challenges regarding the crisis handling, Rubio acknowledged the complexities of negotiations with Tehran, often requiring intermediaries. He emphasized the need to engage Iran in a process to assess the extent of their willingness to cooperate, although the outcome remains uncertain.
