The United States has indicated that a possible deal with Iran to ease regional tensions and end the ongoing conflict could still materialize, even as President Donald Trump cautioned against expecting an immediate breakthrough.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday, made the remarks during an official visit to New Delhi, India, where he said negotiations remain active but stressed that no final agreement has been reached.
Mr Rubio’s comments came as Washington, Tehran, and regional mediators continued diplomatic efforts following a fragile ceasefire that has remained in place since 8 April, despite continuing military and economic pressure.
“A pretty solid thing on the table” — Rubio
Mr Rubio suggested progress had been made in negotiations, particularly around maritime security and Gulf shipping access.
“We thought we might have some news last night, maybe today, I wouldn’t read too much into it.”
He added:
“We have what I think is a pretty solid thing on the table in terms of their ability to open up the straits, get the straits open.”
The remarks point to one of the major concerns in the crisis , disruptions to Gulf shipping routes and energy supply chains.
President urges caution, says deal should not be rushed
President Donald Trump tempered optimism by insisting US negotiators should not move too quickly.
“I have informed my representatives not to rush into a deal… time is on our side.”
Mr Trump also warned that pressure on Iran would continue until any agreement is fully concluded.
“The Blockade will remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified and signed.”
In another statement, President Trump said the framework had been largely negotiated but still required final approval.
“If I make a deal with Iran, it will be a good and proper one… It isn’t even fully negotiated yet.”
Key issues still unresolved
Despite signs of progress, major sticking points reportedly remain unresolved, particularly surrounding frozen Iranian assets and the long-running nuclear dispute.
Mr Rubio noted that while regional support for diplomacy has increased, a full nuclear arrangement would take time.
“Right now, we have seven or eight countries in the region that are endorsing this approach.”
He added:
“A nuclear deal couldn’t be achieved in 72 hours on the back of a napkin.”
Iranian officials also acknowledged the existence of a draft framework but said negotiations around uranium enrichment and broader nuclear commitments may be delayed for 60 days after any agreement.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reportedly reiterated that Tehran was prepared to assure the world it was not pursuing nuclear weapons.
Oil prices fall as markets react
Signs of possible diplomatic progress triggered reactions in global energy markets.
Oil prices reportedly dropped sharply, with Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate slipping amid hopes that tensions in the Gulf could ease and shipping routes could reopen.
The conflict had already caused market instability after military exchanges between the US, Israel, and Iran disrupted regional trade and heightened fears of a wider war.
Regional diplomacy intensifies
Leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Turkey, and Pakistan reportedly joined diplomatic engagements around the evolving deal.
Pakistan, which earlier facilitated face-to-face US-Iran negotiations, said it hopes another round of talks could take place soon.
Meanwhile, Israel maintained pressure, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisting that any final agreement must completely remove Iran’s nuclear threat.
Lebanon conflict adds pressure
As negotiations continued, tensions also remained high in Lebanon.
Israel reportedly continued strikes on Hezbollah-linked targets despite a ceasefire, while Mr Rubio accused Hezbollah of trying to drag Lebanon “back into chaos.”
The wider Middle East crisis continues to complicate peace efforts as diplomacy unfolds.
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