Is a Secret US-Iran Deal Closer Than Expected?
News Desk
Washington: Amid growing regional tensions and intense diplomatic maneuvering, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has signaled cautious optimism about a possible breakthrough in talks between Washington and Tehran, while warning that the window for diplomacy may not remain open indefinitely.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Rubio revealed that negotiations with Iran had shown “some positive signs,” though he stressed that it was too early to celebrate any breakthrough. “Progress has been made in the talks,” he said, adding that the coming days would determine whether both sides could move toward a meaningful agreement.
In a notable revelation, Rubio confirmed that Pakistani officials were in Tehran as part of ongoing mediation efforts aimed at easing tensions between the United States and Iran. He expressed hope that Islamabad’s diplomatic engagement could help push the process forward.
The US secretary of state reiterated Washington’s core position that Iran must never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons, saying the issue remains a point of complete agreement among American allies.
However, he also disclosed growing frustration within NATO over differing approaches to a potential confrontation with Tehran.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/us-iran-talks-may-resume-in-islamabad-next-week-report/
Rubio specifically criticized Spain’s reluctance to allow US forces access to its military bases in the event of a conflict involving Iran, describing it as a sign of increasing strain inside the NATO alliance.
According to him, while NATO provides clear security benefits to Europe, its strategic value for the United States also lies in access to military infrastructure that enables rapid deployment in the Middle East and other critical regions.
Highlighting the White House position, Rubio said President Donald Trump remains focused on securing a “good and comprehensive agreement” with Tehran. “If we succeed in reaching a better agreement, it would be a great thing,” he remarked.
At the same time, Rubio delivered a blunt warning to Iran, suggesting that Washington was prepared to pursue alternatives if diplomacy failed. “If a good agreement is not reached, the United States will not sit idly by,” he said, without elaborating on what actions the administration could take. “Everyone knows what those options are,” he added.
Rubio also drew a red line over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, declaring that the United States would not accept any Iranian attempt to impose tolls, fees, or restrictions on international shipping passing through the vital waterway.
Calling the Strait of Hormuz a cornerstone of global trade and energy supply, Rubio warned that any move by Tehran to control maritime traffic or demand payments from commercial vessels would violate international norms and make any future agreement with Washington “practically impossible.”
While acknowledging encouraging developments in the talks, Rubio repeatedly cautioned against excessive optimism, saying the next few days would be critical in determining whether diplomacy could overcome years of mistrust and escalating regional tensions.
