US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Monday that Iran appears "serious" about reaching a diplomatic agreement with Washington to alleviate its crippling economic crisis. However, he emphasized that any potential deal must strictly prevent Tehran from ever developing a nuclear weapon.
Speaking in a recent interview, Rubio noted that Iran's internal situation has deteriorated significantly. "I think they are serious about getting themselves out of the mess that they’re in," Rubio said, citing skyrocketing inflation and intensified financial strain. He added that the problems Iran faced before the current regional conflict have only worsened.
Negotiations and "Red Lines"
The statement follows a failed round of talks in Islamabad on April 11. Despite the setback, the White House confirmed it is reviewing a new Iranian proposal aimed at ending the ongoing war and reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump has met with his national security team to discuss the offer. Reportedly, Iran has offered to reopen the waterway in exchange for future negotiations on its nuclear program. However, Leavitt stressed that Trump’s "red lines" regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions remain "very, very clear."
The White House maintained that it will not negotiate through the media, with Assistant Press Secretary Olivia Wales stating that the U.S. will only accept a deal that "puts the American people first."
Iran’s Hardline Stance
Despite the U.S. focus on nuclear prevention, Iranian state media reported that current diplomatic efforts will not include their nuclear program.
Furthermore, Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of Iran’s National Security Committee, announced on Monday that a new draft law is under review. This law would grant the Iranian military full authority over the Strait of Hormuz to block "hostile vessels" and require transit fees to be paid in the Iranian rial.
Russia Offers Support
Amid these tensions, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in St. Petersburg. Putin assured Araghchi that Russia would do "everything" possible to help achieve peace in the Middle East and support Iran’s interests in the region.
