US Secretary of State reports progress in Iran negotiations

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated during a meeting of European NATO foreign ministers in Sweden that there has been some progress in negotiations with Iran. He emphasized that significant work remains and declined to overstate or downplay the current status. The core US concerns continue to be the prevention of Iranian nuclear weapon development, the regulation of future uranium enrichment, and the free passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio confirmed that the US is in constant contact with Pakistani mediators to facilitate these talks. He noted that President Donald Trump prefers a diplomatic resolution and a successful agreement, but warned that other options remain on the table if negotiations fail. Currently, no formal request for NATO assistance in the Strait of Hormuz has been made, though Washington acknowledges the necessity of a contingency plan should the waterway remain restricted.