Helsingborg: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged "some progress" in peace negotiations with Iran during a recent meeting with reporters in Helsingborg, Sweden. However, he emphasized that the two sides "are not there yet," despite efforts to mediate the Middle East conflict. The comments came as Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Tehran to engage in talks with Iranian officials.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Rubio's remarks were made following a ministerial meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The U.S. State Department released a transcript in which Rubio noted, "There's been some progress. I wouldn't exaggerate it. I wouldn't diminish it," highlighting the delicate balance of the ongoing discussions. He further stated that more work is necessary to reach a comprehensive agreement, while expressing hope for a favorable outcome that aligns with the president's preference for a substantial deal.
Rubio did not specify the exact nature of the progress achieved between Washington and Tehran but highlighted the critical issue of Iran's highly enriched uranium. He asserted that any peace agreement must address the disposition of the uranium and future enrichment activities. "Iran can never have a nuclear weapon," Rubio declared, underscoring the importance of these elements as core pillars of any prospective deal. Additionally, he mentioned the significance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint currently impacted by the ongoing conflict.
The United States has been exerting pressure on Iran to finalize a peace deal, aiming to cease hostilities and ensure the safe passage of goods through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for oil, natural gas, and other commodities. In a related development, President Trump announced on Monday his decision to postpone a planned attack on Iran initially scheduled for Tuesday. He warned that a "full, large-scale" military action could be launched if a mutually acceptable agreement is not reached with Iran and other Middle Eastern nations.