US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Monday in New Delhi that Washington is committed to securing a deal with Iran but is prepared to pursue alternative strategies should the current negotiations falter. These talks aim to resolve a prolonged conflict and stabilize global energy markets.
Rubio emphasized that the United States intends to exhaust all diplomatic options before considering other approaches, while acknowledging the complexity and urgency of the discussions. “We will either reach a solid agreement or find another way to handle the situation,” he remarked, underscoring that the US remains engaged but will not negotiate indefinitely.
He highlighted a substantial proposal on the table involving Iran’s potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and entering a significant, time-bound negotiation regarding its nuclear program. Earlier, US President Donald Trump advised against rushing the talks, affirming that restrictions on Iranian shipping through the Strait would stay until a formal agreement is finalized and signed. “There is no rush. Both parties must take the necessary time to get it right,” Trump stated via social media.
A senior US official revealed that Iran had tentatively agreed to reopen the Strait in exchange for lifting a US naval blockade, coupled with measures addressing concerns over Tehran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Although Washington believes Iran’s leadership broadly supports the framework, independent confirmation from Tehran remains absent.
The proposed plan prioritizes restoring maritime access through the strategic waterway initially, with nuclear verification and disposal arrangements to be negotiated in subsequent phases within a 60-day period. However, Iranian officials have expressed reservations about certain aspects of the proposal. The Tasnim news agency, linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported Tehran’s objections to demands concerning frozen Iranian assets held abroad.
Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for Iran’s parliament, asserted that Tehran would not yield to pressure or threats, stating on social media platform X that “in diplomatic conflict, it is action for action.” He added that Iran remains open to negotiations but will not concede under duress.
The talks have contributed to a sharp decline in oil prices amid optimism that Washington and Tehran are nearing a limited understanding that could reduce tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global energy shipments. Prior to the conflict, this waterway handled about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports.
Despite progress, significant challenges persist, including Iran’s nuclear enrichment program, sanctions relief, frozen oil revenues, and broader regional security concerns involving Lebanon and Israeli military operations. US officials insist any agreement must address Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, while Iranian sources suggest dilution under international supervision might be considered later.
President Trump has consistently expressed willingness to reach a deal but maintains that any agreement must be “proper and enforceable,” defending his administration’s firm stance. Analysts caution that even if a framework is agreed upon, its implementation will require time and will not immediately resolve the ongoing global energy crisis, which has already driven up fuel, fertilizer, and food prices worldwide.
