US Secretary of State Rubio Claims Internal Cracks in Iran

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Monday (30/3) his hope to work with elements within the Iranian government. He said that the United States has privately received positive messages. Rubio indicated that there are internal cracks within the Islamic Republic. The United States hopes that figures with the power to act will take control. “We hope so,” Rubio told ABC News’ Good Morning America programme. “Clearly, there are people there who are speaking to us in ways that those in power in Iran have never done before, some things they are willing to do,” he said. (AFP/I-2) Iran has affirmed that there have been no direct negotiations with the US and described new contacts as limited to mediators, rebuking Washington’s claims about diplomacy. Iran’s parliament will introduce a new navigation regime in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran will guarantee the safety of ship navigation while imposing transit fees. Following the conflict in the Middle East launched by US and Israeli airstrikes against Iran at the end of last month, Iranian forces have effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz. Iran confirmed the death of IRGC Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri due to an Israeli attack. This key figure behind the Strait of Hormuz blockade fell amid assaults on Tehran. Ebn-e-Reza also expressed distrust towards the United States.