Rubio Suggests Breakthrough with Iran Imminent Despite Recent US Military Action

US-Iran Negotiations Nearing Decisive Stage

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that negotiations over a possible Iran agreement are nearing a decisive stage, with the outcome hanging in the balance. Speaking on the sidelines of the Quad meeting in New Delhi, Rubio stated that either a good deal will be reached or none will be.

Rubio's comments suggest that the parties involved are making progress in their diplomatic efforts. He noted that US President Donald Trump recently held a "historic call" with regional leaders, and that there is strong alignment on the content of a preliminary draft agreement. However, Rubio also cautioned that the final details of the proposed deal may take "a couple of days" to settle, indicating that negotiations may be entering their concluding phase.

The negotiations have been ongoing amidst tensions in the region, particularly with regards to the strategic Strait of Hormuz route, which has been blocked by Iran. Rubio emphasized the need for the passage to be open without tolls, stating that any tolling system is "unlawful, illegal, unsustainable and unacceptable." This stance echoes that of Trump, who also stated that the deal with Iran will either be a "great and meaningful one, or there will be no deal."

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In a separate development, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei criticized the shifting positions of American officials amid ongoing discussions. Baqaei noted that while the parties have reached conclusions on a large portion of the discussion topics, the frequent changes in the positions of American officials complicate every negotiation.

The tensions in the region have led to military action, with US forces conducting "self-defence strikes" on Monday in southern Iran. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes targeted missile launch sites and Iranian boats near the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes were carried out amid an ongoing ceasefire and negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.