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US signals progress in Iran negotiations
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated on Monday that negotiators from Washington and Tehran have a "pretty solid" proposal on the table, raising hopes for an agreement as early as today.
Key terms of the proposed deal
The reported agreement includes a 60-day extension of the current ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz-a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments-and a framework for future talks on Iran's nuclear program. Oil prices dropped sharply on Monday, while Asian stock markets rallied in response to the optimism.
Rubio, speaking in New Delhi, described the proposal as a work in progress but acknowledged its potential to ease tensions. "We have what I think is a pretty solid thing on the table in terms of their ability to open up the Straits," he said, referring to the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively blocked since the conflict escalated.
Challenges and delays
Despite the progress, Rubio cautioned against overinterpreting the developments, noting that communication with Iran has been slow. US intelligence reportedly believes Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei-who was injured in an Israeli strike that killed his father-is in an undisclosed location, complicating direct negotiations.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, described the two sides as "very close and very far" from an agreement, reflecting the fragility of the talks.
Republican pushback and Trump's stance
The proposed deal has sparked divisions within the Republican Party. Senator Ted Cruz called it "a disastrous mistake," while Senator Roger Wicker, chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, warned that a 60-day ceasefire would undermine gains made by Operation Epic Fury.
Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, criticized any agreement that could leave Iran appearing dominant in the region. "It makes one wonder why the war started to begin with," he said.
Trump, who has previously instructed negotiators not to rush into a deal, dismissed critics on Truth Social, stating, "If I make a deal with Iran, it will be a good and proper one." He also reiterated that Iran "must understand" it cannot develop nuclear weapons, a stance Tehran has consistently denied, insisting its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
Nuclear concerns and next steps
Reports suggest the interim deal could include provisions for Iran to eventually surrender its highly enriched uranium. At the outset of the conflict, Iran possessed approximately 440kg (970 lbs) of uranium enriched to 60% purity-just a short step away from weapons-grade levels.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told state television that Iran is prepared "to assure the world that we are not after a nuclear weapon."
The US and Israel launched a series of strikes on Iran on February 28, triggering a broader regional conflict. Iran retaliated by targeting Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf, while also closing the Strait of Hormuz, sending global oil prices surging. A temporary ceasefire was established in early April, but the US maintained a blockade of Iranian ports, which Trump has vowed to keep in place until a final agreement is "certified and signed."
