Summary “I think there is some good news in this regard, though not final news,” Rubio said. “There has been progress, important progress, but no final breakthrough yet”
(Web Desk) – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said significant progress had been made in negotiations between the United States and Iran over the past 48 hours, expressing hope that the world could receive “good news” within the next few hours.
Speaking during a press conference in Indian capital New Delhi, Rubio said the expected positive development was linked to the Strait of Hormuz and a diplomatic process that could eventually lead to what US President Donald Trump wants to achieve — “a world free from the fear of Iran obtaining nuclear weapons.”
“I think there is some good news in this regard, though not final news,” Rubio said. “There has been progress, important progress, but no final breakthrough yet.”
The US secretary of state reiterated that the objective of the negotiations was to ensure that Iran would never possess nuclear weapons.
“Iran can never have a nuclear weapon, and it never will — at least not while Donald Trump is president of the United States,” Rubio added.
Rubio said the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway and not owned by Iran.
The US secretary alleged that Iran was currently threatening commercial ships using the international shipping route and said such actions were illegal under international regulations. He warned that allowing such behaviour to continue would set a dangerous precedent.
Rubio said progress had been made over the past 48 hours, which could lead not only to the restoration of free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz without any imposed charges, but also to addressing some of the core concerns linked to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
He added that progress had been achieved on the framework of several issues which, if implemented, could produce the desired results. However, he stressed that Iran’s approval and compliance would also be necessary, while further details would be worked out in the future.
Rubio explained that Iran’s nuclear programme was a highly technical matter and negotiations on the issue would take time.
“You can agree to things on paper, but they also have to be implemented,” he said, adding that whatever is written in an agreement must ultimately be enforced in practice.
