Rubio: Iran can never have a nuclear weapon as condition for final deal

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared in New Delhi that any definitive agreement to resolve the crisis with Iran is contingent on the White House's unwavering stance: Iran "can never have a nuclear weapon."

"The ultimate goal is that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. The president has been clear about that, they will never possess a nuclear weapon, certainly not while Donald Trump is president of the United States," Rubio stated during a press conference in India. He indicated that while "significant progress" has been made in peace negotiations, any advances will require Iran's complete acceptance and subsequent compliance.

Rubio described the nuclear program as a highly technical matter requiring time to negotiate details. He asserted that Donald Trump is the only U.S. president to have taken decisive action to curb Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Trump himself had previously confirmed on his social media platform, Truth Social, that a peace deal was "largely negotiated" with final aspects to be announced soon.

Reports suggest the current draft includes a 14-point memorandum of understanding covering the cessation of war on all fronts, including Lebanon, and the full reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz without Tehran's proposed tolls. Iranian spokesperson Esmail Bagaei indicated that after the memorandum's finalization, parties would have 30 to 60 days to formally negotiate the nuclear program, the lifting of U.S. sanctions, and the release of overseas funds.

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The ultimate goal is that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. The president has been clear about that, they will never possess a nuclear weapon, certainly not while Donald Trump is president of the United States.