Marco Rubio on Iran Deal
Image Credit: IndiaToday
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday that American and Iranian negotiators have “a pretty solid thing on the table” and indicated a possible agreement between Washington and Tehran could be reached as early as Monday, offering a potential breakthrough in months of conflict across the Middle East.
Speaking during his Marco Rubio New Delhi visit, Rubio said negotiations remained active but cautioned that talks were still ongoing. His comments came as the Trump administration continued efforts to secure a broader Middle East peace deal following months of military escalation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
“We’re still a work in progress,” Rubio said in India’s capital, Delhi. “We thought we might have some news last night. Maybe today.” The remarks immediately fueled attention across diplomatic and energy circles, particularly after oil prices declined and Asian stock markets rose on hopes that a settlement could reopen key shipping routes and reduce geopolitical tensions.
Solid Iran Deal Talks Continue Amid Delays
Rubio said negotiators were discussing arrangements related to the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes. Iran has effectively restricted movement through the route since conflict escalated on 28 February.
“So we have what I think is a pretty solid thing on the table in terms of their ability to open up the Straits,” Rubio said, while cautioning against reading too much into the timing of negotiations.
“It takes a little while to hear back from Iran,” he added. The proposed arrangement reportedly includes a 60-day ceasefire extension, the Strait of Hormuz reopening, and further negotiations surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. According to US media reports, however, the proposal is not expected to resolve several contentious issues immediately, including sanctions relief, access to frozen Iranian assets, and long-standing disputes over Tehran’s uranium stockpile.
The Trump administration has repeatedly emphasized that any agreement must ensure Iranian nuclear weapon prevention, a position President Donald Trump reiterated over the weekend.
On Truth Social, Trump said negotiators had been instructed “not to rush into a deal,” despite earlier comments suggesting an agreement was near. “If I make a deal with Iran, it will be a good and proper one,” Trump wrote, while insisting Tehran “must understand” it cannot develop nuclear weapons. Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program remains focused on peaceful purposes.
Diplomatic Challenges and Political Pushback
Iranian officials also signaled cautious optimism while warning major disagreements remained unresolved. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the two sides were both “very close and very far” from reaching an agreement. The Esmaeil Baqaei foreign ministry statement reflected continued uncertainty around several unresolved diplomatic issues, including sanctions and the handling of highly enriched uranium.
US intelligence assessments cited by CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, suggested Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei remains in an undisclosed location following injuries sustained during an Israeli strike earlier in the conflict. Officials believe communication difficulties may have slowed negotiations.
The possible Iran Memorandum of Understanding has also exposed divisions within Republican ranks in Washington. Senator Ted Cruz criticized the proposed agreement, calling it “a disastrous mistake,” while Senator Roger Wicker argued a temporary ceasefire could undermine what he described as gains achieved during military operations.
A separate criticism came from Senator Lindsey Graham, who questioned whether a settlement that justify Iran influential in the region would undermine the rationale for conflict. Trump dismissed the criticism, saying he did not “listen to the losers” opposing negotiations.
Conflict Legacy and Remaining Obstacles
The latest diplomatic push follows months of conflict after the US and Israel launched military strikes on Iran in late February. Tehran responded by targeting Israel and US-allied Gulf states, contributing to one of the most significant regional crises under US foreign policy in 2026. Shortly after an Operation Epic Fury ceasefire was reached in early April, Washington imposed a blockade on Iranian ports that Trump said would remain in effect until a formal agreement was reached and verified.
Several unresolved issues remain central to ongoing nuclear proliferation talks, including demands for Iran to curb uranium enrichment. At the start of the conflict, Iran reportedly possessed about 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity, significantly below weapons grade but close enough to raise international concern.
Shipping analysts also warned that even if negotiations succeed quickly, recovery across global supply chains may take months. Industry leaders said companies remain cautious about returning vessels to Gulf shipping lanes until operational security improves. The possibility of a solid Iran deal has raised expectations for reduced tensions, though diplomatic, security, and logistical challenges continue to shape the pace of negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
For more information, visit BBC’s comprehensive article