Rubio says Iran ready for limited nuclear negotiations
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers on Tuesday that Iran has agreed to open limited discussions on its nuclear programme, describing it as a cautious but notable change in Tehran’s stance amid ongoing regional tensions. Appearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio said Iran had signalled willingness to engage on issues it previously avoided, though he stressed that this did not guarantee a final agreement to resolve the wider US-Iran-Israel conflict. According to Rubio, Iranian officials “have agreed to negotiate aspects of their nuclear programme” that they had long resisted discussing, but he warned that any deal remains uncertain and must still meet conditions acceptable to Congress. He also attributed the fragility of talks to instability within Iran’s leadership structure. He clarified that the Trump administration has not offered sanctions relief in exchange for the Strait of Hormuz opening, adding that any easing of restrictions would depend on Iran meeting nuclear-related requirements. US official further indicated that the talks are still at an early stage, with key disputes unresolved, including uranium enrichment limits, sanctions relief, and regional security guarantees. Despite the diplomatic opening, scepticism remains in Congress about whether a durable agreement can be reached as hostilities and ceasefire strains persist. The hearing, held as part of a $36 billion State Department budget review, focused heavily on the Iran conflict, military escalation, and Washington’s broader Middle East strategy. Rubio is also expected to appear before the House of Representatives later the same day. Lawmakers from both parties pressed the administration on war powers, ceasefire enforcement, and the risk of wider regional escalation involving Israel, Lebanon, and Gulf shipping routes. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the committee, criticised the administration for limited congressional briefings on military operations and