Trump, Rubio praise Iran deal progress, 'Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon'

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commenced his Gulf tour in the United Arab Emirates, emphasizing the need for Iran to dismantle its terror proxy network to achieve regional peace. Speaking to reporters, Rubio highlighted that ongoing conflicts in the region persist as long as Iranian proxies launch attacks.

“

You can't have the end of hostilities and conflicts in the region as long as Iranian proxies are launching missiles and drones from Iraq, and are participating in terrorism like Hamas did and Hezbollah did.

Rubio also addressed freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that no country can impose tolls on international waterways. He alluded to a future where Iran could reintegrate into the global economy if its leadership chooses to act as a nation rather than a terror-exporting movement. He clarified that separate talks between the U.S. and Lebanon are distinct from the U.S.-Iran negotiations, though Iran's proxy Hezbollah is a factor.

“

No country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway. That's existing international law.

President Donald Trump, speaking on the U.S.-Iran talks, praised his administration's economic achievements, including falling oil prices. He firmly stated that Iran will not obtain a nuclear weapon, asserting that the U.S. has placed Iran in an unprecedentedly weak negotiating position due to the dismantling of its military and leadership capabilities.

“

If [Iran's] leadership makes a decision that they want to be a country instead of a revolutionary movement that exports terror, they're going to have an opportunity to do incredible things.