The United States is prepared to engage in serious negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program if Tehran reopens the Strait of Hormuz, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said, according to a report by The New York Times published on Sunday.
Rubio’s remarks suggest Washington may be considering a phased diplomatic approach and could accept an interim agreement that would not immediately resolve all concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear activities.
Speaking during a brief interview while visiting New Delhi, Rubio said resolving the issue would require time and technical negotiations.
“You cannot solve nuclear issues on the back of a napkin within 72 hours,” Rubio said.
He added that Iran must first reopen the strategic waterway before meaningful talks can begin.
“The strait must be reopened immediately, and then we will enter very serious discussions regarding uranium enrichment under agreed parameters, highly enriched uranium, and commitments to never build a nuclear weapon,” Rubio said.
He noted that while the process would not take years, technical aspects of the negotiations would still require time to address.
Rubio also indicated that the United States could revive threats of military action against Iran if negotiations fail to produce results within the next two months.
“Ultimately, we must ensure that we achieve what this action is intended to accomplish. If not, then within 60 days the president will still have the same options available to him now,” he said, referring to President Donald Trump.
Neither Washington nor Tehran has publicly disclosed details of any potential agreement. Critics, however, argue that a phased deal could weaken Trump’s leverage in future negotiations with Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes, and tensions surrounding the waterway have heightened concerns over global energy security and regional stability.
