Rubio on Iran: Negotiations may continue for a few more days

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking to reporters in Jaipur as part of his visit to India, announced that the diplomatic process with Iran has reached a critical stage. While noting that finalizing the text of the agreement could take a few more days, Rubio stated that diplomacy continues in the shadow of military tensions in the region.

EITHER A GOOD DEAL OR NONE AT ALL

Providing significant messages regarding the course of the negotiations, Rubio emphasized that President Donald Trump's desire to reach an agreement is clear, but that there will be no concessions. Stating that intensive mutual discussions are being held on specific phrases in the text, Secretary Rubio said, "President Trump has made his position clear; in the end, it will either be a good deal or no deal at all."

MESSAGE ON THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ AND MILITARY OPERATIONS

 Rubio's remarks came immediately after new airstrikes in Southern Iran, which the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) described as "defensive." Addressing the operations, which targeted boats attempting to lay mines and missile sites, Rubio drew attention to the importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global trade, stating, "The straits must remain open, and they will remain open one way or another." According to a report by the Nikkei newspaper citing Middle Eastern sources, the parties are discussing a plan that envisions the strait being fully opened to traffic within 30 days following an agreement to end the hostilities.

DIPLOMACY ON ONE SIDE, TENSION ON THE OTHER

It was noted that the Iranian delegation continued its contacts with the Prime Minister of Qatar in Doha while the U.S. strikes were taking place. Meanwhile, the Tehran administration announced that it had shot down a "hostile" unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) using a new air defense system. As military activity continues in the region, all eyes have turned to the agreement text, which is expected to be clarified in the coming days.

News Source: 12punto