US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reports progress in negotiations with Iran

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that progress has been made in ongoing talks with Iran, with Pakistan acting as a mediator. Speaking after a NATO ministerial meeting in Sweden, Rubio cautioned against overestimating the development, noting that significant work remains to be done. The core US concerns continue to be the prevention of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, limitations on future uranium enrichment, and the security of the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio stated that President Donald Trump prefers a negotiated agreement but has alternative options if Iran remains uncooperative. While there have been reports of a possible announcement, Rubio clarified that an agreement has not yet been finalized. The US has not made a formal request for NATO assistance regarding the Strait of Hormuz, though Rubio emphasized the necessity of a contingency plan. The diplomat described his counterparts as difficult, confirming that communication channels with Pakistani intermediaries remain active.