US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed readiness for substantial discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear program if Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz. This approach hints at a potential phased strategy, possibly involving an interim agreement that does not immediately tackle Iran’s nuclear activities, as per a report by the New York Times.
Rubio emphasized the need for a structured process, stating that resolving nuclear issues cannot be rushed. He highlighted the immediate importance of reopening the strait, followed by detailed negotiations on enrichment, highly enriched uranium, and Iran’s commitment to nuclear disarmament.
The Secretary of State underscored the possibility of US military action against Iran if the talks fail to yield results within two months. Rubio emphasized that any approach must align with the desired outcomes, with President Trump retaining all options after the specified timeframe.
The discussions have not been publicly detailed by either the US or Iran, leading to concerns from critics about potential impacts on Trump’s negotiation leverage. Rubio echoed Trump’s firm stance that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons, hinting at forthcoming developments on the matter.
Rubio also mentioned ongoing efforts with Gulf partners to establish toll-free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, contingent on Iran’s full acceptance and implementation of the proposal.
