US Says Iran ‘Serious’ About Deal but Nuclear Safeguards Non-Negotiable: Rubio

Washington: Marco Rubio has said that Iran appears “serious” about reaching an agreement with the United States, but stressed that any deal must firmly prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

REAP Delegation Lands in Muscat to Expand Pakistan’s Rice Exports Under TDAP Initiative

Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Rubio pointed to Iran’s worsening economic situation, citing inflation, wage pressures, and the continued impact of international sanctions. “All the problems that Iran had before the start of this conflict are still in place, and most of them are worse,” he said.

He emphasized that Washington’s priority remains ensuring that any future agreement “definitively prevents” Iran from pursuing a nuclear weapon at any stage.

Rubio’s remarks come amid reports that Iran has floated a proposal to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the US lifting its blockade and ending the ongoing conflict, while postponing broader nuclear negotiations.

Responding to Tehran’s claims that the waterway is open, Rubio rejected the assertion, saying international routes cannot be controlled by any single country. “They cannot decide who gets to use an international waterway or impose conditions on its access,” he said, warning against attempts to “normalize” such a framework.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global energy artery, with nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passing through it daily. Ongoing tensions have already driven up oil prices, as well as shipping and insurance costs worldwide.

Earlier diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran, including talks held in Islamabad on April 11, failed to produce a breakthrough. The negotiations followed a ceasefire brokered by Pakistan, later extended by Donald Trump.

Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump discussed a new Iranian proposal with senior national security officials. However, she declined to provide details, reiterating that Washington’s core demands remain unchanged — including keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and ensuring Iran relinquishes its enriched uranium.

Efforts are ongoing to arrange another round of negotiations, though key issues — including maritime security, sanctions, and the future of Iran’s nuclear programme — continue to pose significant challenges.