Rubio: US to Assess Prospects for Progress in Iran Talks

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Wednesday (27 May) that Washington would assess the prospects for progress in negotiations with Iran within hours or days. ‘An agreement is possible, and we want it to happen. I think there has been some progress and interest, and we will see in the coming hours and days whether progress can be made,’ Rubio said in a cabinet meeting. He reminded that President Donald Trump has military options if no agreement is reached, but stressed that Washington prefers ‘diplomatic channels through negotiations’ and will ‘give every opportunity for talks to succeed.’ On 28 February, the US and Israel launched a joint strike on Iranian territory, resulting in over 3,000 casualties. On 7 April, Washington and Tehran announced a ceasefire. Further talks held in Islamabad ended without breakthroughs. Despite no reports of renewed hostilities, Washington has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports and waters, and resumed attacks despite declaring an indefinite ceasefire. On Monday, Rubio said Washington and Tehran have good prospects for a temporary nuclear deal. A US-Iran framework agreement, not yet approved by Iran, stipulates that Tehran will relinquish enriched uranium stockpiles, according to The Washington Post. An Iranian official told the newspaper that this is not a final nuclear deal but a temporary arrangement to postpone discussions for now.