Iran Deal Remains Possible as Rubio Outlines US Condition
WASHINGTON — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said President Donald Trump remains open to reaching an agreement with Iran to end the war, while making clear that Washington’s central condition is that Tehran must never obtain a nuclear weapon.
Speaking to reporters in New York, Rubio said the United States was prepared to support an agreement that would allow Iran to become a prosperous and developed country. However, he stressed that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains the key issue for Washington.
Rubio said Trump would be willing to reach a deal if it could guarantee that Iran would not possess a nuclear weapon.
His comments come as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran continue amid the ongoing conflict. According to Reuters, indirect discussions have taken place between the two sides, but significant differences remain on key issues.
A day earlier, Rubio had also said the United States was prepared to meet with Iranian leaders if there was a reasonable prospect of achieving a positive outcome.
Iranian officials have meanwhile confirmed that Tehran is reviewing the US response to proposals aimed at ending the war. However, major differences between the two governments remain unresolved.
Rubio also indicated that reaching an agreement would require time and sustained diplomatic efforts, while President Trump has continued to keep the military option on the table.
The latest US position therefore leaves the door open to diplomacy while maintaining Washington’s stated demand that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons.