Rubio: Iran signals nuclear talks willingness; Trump insists talks continue

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed lawmakers that Iran has indicated a readiness to discuss elements of its nuclear program previously considered non-negotiable. This comes as President Donald Trump asserted that talks with Iran have not ceased, describing them as continuous.

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They have agreed to negotiate aspects of their nuclear program that just a month ago, just a year ago, they were refusing to even mention.

"They have agreed to negotiate aspects of their nuclear program that just a month ago, just a year ago, they were refusing to even mention," Rubio told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He cautioned, however, that this does not guarantee an acceptable deal and noted that negotiations are complicated by instability within Iran's leadership. Rubio suggested a potential breakthrough could occur imminently.

Rubio also stressed that any reduction in sanctions would be contingent upon Iran fulfilling its commitments regarding its nuclear program. "Right now, everything that’s been discussed with them is that… any sanctions relief is condition-based, which means it has to be in return for the reason why those sanctions were put in place in the first place, which is their nuclear program," he explained.

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Right now, everything that’s been discussed with them is that … any sanctions relief is condition-based, which means it has to be in return for the reason why those sanctions were put in place in the first place, which is their nuclear program.

Furthermore, Rubio stated that Tehran must commit to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for oil and gas transportation. "They have to announce very clearly ‘The straits are now open, we’re not charging a toll.’ We will help remove the mines that they put in there, and they will not fire on ships," he said, adding that concessions would be rewarded but not given as an initial bonus.

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They have to announce very clearly ‘The straits are now open, we’re not charging a toll.’ We will help remove the mines that they put in there, and they will not fire on ships.

Rubio also reported indications that Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has been absent from public view since the start of the conflict, is becoming more involved in the discussions. "I think there are indications out there that he is increasingly engaging at some level, although all of his communications have been in writing and through intermediaries," Rubio testified. His remarks faced strong opposition from Democrats, with Senator Chris Van Hollen criticizing the U.S. and Israeli decision to strike Iran.

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I think there are indications out there that he is increasingly engaging at some level, although all of his communications have been in writing and through intermediaries.