Marco Rubio Discusses Iran Conflict in Exclusive Interview with Al Jazeera

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Al Jazeera’s Hashem Ahelbarra about ongoing talks with Iran and the country’s war objectives. During the conversation, Rubio stated that indirect communication between Tehran and Washington is taking place through intermediaries.

Rubio also mentioned that US President Donald Trump has been increasing military and economic pressure on Iran, while maintaining diplomatic channels open. The secretary of state emphasized that Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and stop producing missiles and drones capable of threatening countries in the Gulf region.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Rubio stated that it will remain open “one way or another.” He warned that the US would not accept Iran claiming sovereignty over the waterway and that it poses a direct threat to countries across the Gulf. The secretary of state also mentioned that the US is closely watching developments in Cuba and Venezuela.

Rubio’s comments come as Trump has been escalating his rhetoric on social media, threatening to “obliterate” Iran’s energy infrastructure if a ceasefire is not reached soon. Iranian analyst Hassan Ahmadian questioned the narrative that Iran poses an offensive threat in the region, arguing that its military strategy is shaped by deterrence in an asymmetric conflict.

The US and Iran have been engaged in ongoing talks through intermediaries, with Rubio stating that direct communication between Tehran and Washington is taking place. The secretary of state emphasized that the US president prefers diplomacy and an outcome-based approach.

Source: Al Jazeera