US to Explore Alternative Diplomatic Path with Iran

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that the US is considering two possible outcomes in its negotiations with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. According to Rubio, either a strong agreement will be reached or the country will need to explore alternative options.

Rubio made this statement during an official visit to New Delhi, where he expressed caution about the potential for an agreement to end the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. The conflict began on February 28 and has been ongoing since then.

Washington and Tehran have maintained a ceasefire since April 8, but Iran has continued to block the Strait of Hormuz to most shipping, while the US has blocked Iranian ports. A recent statement by President Donald Trump indicated that the US blockade would remain in place until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed.

Rubio stated that both sides must take their time and get the deal right. He also mentioned that Iran had agreed “in principle” to dispose of its highly enriched uranium and open the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the US lifting its naval blockade.

A senior Trump administration official has outlined the latest contours of the issues being negotiated, stating that Iran has agreed to dispose of its stockpiled enriched uranium and open the Strait of Hormuz. The official noted that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had endorsed the broad template of the deal.

However, there is no immediate confirmation from Iran or elaboration on what an “in principle” agreement means. Charles Kupchan, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, has expressed skepticism about the likelihood of a lasting deal being reached soon.

Source: Al Jazeera