Rubio Says Trump Still Open to Deal with Iran to End War

NEW YORK: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said President Donald Trump remains open to reaching a deal with Iran to end the war, but Washington continues to insist that Tehran must not acquire a nuclear weapon.

Speaking to reporters in New York, Rubio said Trump was prepared to consider an agreement that would allow Iran to become a prosperous and developed country, provided the nuclear issue could be resolved.

Rubio said the central US concern was ensuring that Iran could never possess a nuclear weapon. He indicated that if an agreement could provide that assurance, Trump would be prepared to reach a settlement with Tehran.

Rubio’s remarks come as diplomatic contacts between the United States and Iran continue over a possible end to the conflict.

Reuters reported that the two sides remain far apart on several key issues following indirect discussions, although both sides have indicated that diplomacy should continue.

A day earlier, Rubio said Washington was open to meeting Iranian representatives at the United Nations if there was a reasonable prospect of achieving a constructive outcome, particularly on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Iranian officials have also confirmed that Tehran is reviewing Washington’s latest response regarding proposals aimed at ending the war.

However, significant differences remain between the two sides, including over Iran’s nuclear programme and other issues linked to the conflict.

Earlier Reuters reporting also identified the Iranian nuclear programme and the future of the Strait of Hormuz as among the major points of disagreement in negotiations.

Rubio said reaching an agreement with Iran would require time and intensive diplomatic efforts.

At the same time, the Trump administration has continued to keep military options on the table if diplomatic efforts fail.

The US position therefore combines an offer to pursue a negotiated settlement with continued pressure on Tehran over its nuclear programme.

Trump has also publicly linked an end to the conflict with an agreement that would prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.