The United States will secure a good deal with Iran or address the country "another way." That was the firm message from Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday. He spoke in New Delhi about international relations. Washington is currently downplaying expectations for any quick deal. The ongoing conflict has lasted for three months.
Rubio told reporters that diplomacy would be given every chance to succeed. He mentioned this before exploring "alternatives." This followed President Donald Trump’s statement on Sunday. Trump had instructed his representatives not to rush any Iran agreement. Rubio noted a "pretty solid thing on the table." This involves Iran’s ability to open the Strait of Hormuz. It also includes a "very real, significant, time-limited negotiation on the nuclear matter." Rubio expressed hope they could achieve this.
The previous day, Trump posted on Truth Social. He wrote that the U.S. blockade on Iranian ships would continue. This blockade affects the Strait of Hormuz. It remains in effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed. He stressed that both sides must "take their time and get it right." Iran’s government offered no immediate response. However, Tasnim news agency reported that the U.S. continues to obstruct parts of a potential deal. This includes Iran’s demand for the release of frozen funds.
Oil prices reacted to the news. They fell 6% to two-week lows on Monday. This drop reflected growing optimism for a peace deal between the U.S. and Iran. President Trump had previously raised hopes for an imminent agreement. He stated on Saturday that Washington and Tehran had "largely negotiated" a memorandum of understanding. This understanding was reportedly on a peace agreement. It would reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Before the recent conflict, this vital waterway handled one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Significant disagreements still exist between the two nations. These include Iran's nuclear ambitions. Another issue is Israel's conflict with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon. Tehran also demands the lifting of sanctions. It seeks the release of tens of billions of dollars in frozen oil revenues. These funds are held in foreign banks.
A senior Trump administration official shared recent negotiation details. Speaking anonymously, the official said Iran agreed "in principle" to open the Strait of Hormuz. In return, the U.S. would lift its naval blockade. Iran would also dispose of its highly enriched uranium. The official indicated the U.S. understands Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, endorsed this general plan. Neither Iran nor details on the "in principle" agreement were immediately confirmed.
Washington envisions reopening the strait and lifting the blockade first. Negotiating the specifics of nuclear measures would require more time. The official countered suggestions that Iran had not accepted disposing of its enriched uranium. The question, he stated, is about "how." A second senior administration official mentioned on Sunday that the proposed framework gives negotiators 60 days. They would have this period to reach a final deal. Iranian sources told Reuters that future stages might offer "feasible formulas" for the uranium stockpile dispute. This could involve diluting the material under U.N. nuclear watchdog supervision.
Iran has consistently denied accusations of pursuing nuclear weapons. It asserts its right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes. However, the purity levels it has achieved far exceed those needed for power generation. President Trump's approval ratings have been affected by energy price impacts. He has also faced congressional efforts to limit his war powers. He has repeatedly highlighted the prospect of a deal to end the conflict. The U.S. and Israel initiated this conflict on February 28. A fragile ceasefire has held since early April.
Trump criticized those questioning his negotiation approach. He defended his willingness to compromise with Iran. He stated on Sunday, "If I make a deal with Iran, it will be a good and proper one... So don’t listen to the losers, who are critical about something they know nothing about." Any deal that strengthens the current ceasefire would offer market relief. However, it would not immediately resolve the global energy crisis. This crisis has driven up costs for fuel, fertilizer, and food.
The U.S.-Israeli bombing of Iran resulted in thousands of casualties. This bombing ended in early April. Israel has also caused thousands of deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands in Lebanon. Iran launched strikes on Israel and Gulf states, killing dozens.