Rubio says progress made in US-Iran talks, hints at ‘good news’
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that progress has been made in US-Iran talks over the past 48 hours and that there is a possibility the world may soon receive some “good news.” Responding to a question during a press conference in India on Sunday, Rubio said the potential good news relates to the Strait of Hormuz and “a process that could ultimately take us where President Trump wants us to be — a world free from the fear of Iran possessing nuclear weapons.” He stated, “I think there is some good news in that regard, but not final news.” Rubio’s remarks repeatedly suggested that while the US-Iran talks have moved forward, no final agreement has yet been reached. “In fact, I would say there has been progress, significant progress, but not final progress,” Rubio stated. US Secretary of State said the objective of the negotiations is to ensure that Iran can never acquire nuclear weapons, adding that Iran “certainly will not have them as long as Donald Trump is the US President.” Rubio also said the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway and that “Iran does not own it.” According to him, “Iran is currently threatening commercial vessels using this international waterway, and under any international standard, that is illegal.” Rubio warned that “if we allow that to happen, it would set a dangerous precedent.” He said he believes progress has been made on the framework of certain issues, which, if implemented, could produce the desired outcome. According to him, “This will also require Iran’s approval and compliance, and the details will be worked out in the future.” He further explained, “For example, the nuclear programme is a technical matter, and discussions on it will take time.” The US Secretary of State said he remains cautious while discussing progress because “you can agree to things on paper, but they also have to be implemented. Whatever is written down must also be carried out.” Trump says US-Iran deal ‘largely negotiated’ with Hormuz reopeni