US Secretary of State: Progress in Talks with Iran

Washington (ANTARA) - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has claimed there is progress in indirect talks with Iran as well as an increase in oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. “There is an intermediary country conveying messages, and concrete progress has been achieved as has been seen and documented,” Rubio told reporters before heading to France on Thursday (26/3). “There is progress in the exchange of messages, but this process is still ongoing and dynamic,” he added. Rubio also highlighted the increased flow of energy through the strait. He said that although it is not yet considered sufficient, the volume has increased. When asked if this progress is enough to pave the way for a direct meeting between the US and Iranian delegations, Rubio said that remains to be seen. “We’ll see the results. I don’t want to judge too early or make predictions. As I said, we’ll wait and see how it develops,” he stated. Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump said there had been “very positive and productive” talks with Iran, and the US has delayed an attack on that country’s energy infrastructure. Trump also expressed hope that progress could be achieved within five days. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry denied reports of direct talks and stated that it has only received messages indicating the US desire to engage in dialogue.