US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says President Donald Trump prefers diplomacy but has “other options” if negotiations with Iran fail to produce an agreement.
Speaking in Miami, Rubio acknowledged there are “good signs” in talks aimed at ending the conflict with Iran, though he warned that major challenges remain and cautioned against over-optimism.
“The president’s preference is to do a good deal. That’s his preference. It’s always been his preference. If we can get a good deal done, that would be great,” Rubio said. “But if we can’t get a good deal, the president’s been clear he has other options.”
Rubio emphasized that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains the primary issue, with discussions on future uranium enrichment and reopening the Strait of Hormuz being essential to any agreement.
The Secretary of State rejected Iran’s proposed tolling system for ships in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it “unacceptable” and warning it would make a diplomatic deal “unfeasible.” He stated: “No one is in favor of a tolling system, it can’t happen, it would be unacceptable.”
Rubio noted the US is in constant communication with Pakistani officials who are facilitating negotiations with Iran. While no explicit request for NATO’s assistance was made regarding the Strait of Hormuz, he said a contingency plan must be in place should Iran refuse to reopen the vital supply route.
Iranian officials have said negotiators are “very close” to a ceasefire framework with the US and are working on draft text, though another source warned it remains too early to judge whether a serious final agreement is achievable.
A senior Iranian source told Reuters that while no deal has been reached, gaps have narrowed, with Iran’s uranium enrichment program and Tehran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz remaining among the key sticking points.
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