Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism Tuesday that a deal to end the war with Iran is within reach, but he stressed Tehran must drastically curb its nuclear program before sanctions are lifted.
Rubio told a Congressional panel: “There is the prospect before us, which could happen today, it could happen tomorrow, it could happen next week.” He insisted Iran must reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which has been closed for months, disrupting global energy markets, and agree to give up its enriched uranium and nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
The three-month U.S.-Israeli war on Iran has reached an impasse, with a shaky ceasefire largely holding since early April. Rubio downplayed recent hostilities, stating: “Well, the war is over.” He defended the conflict, citing severe damage to Iran’s navy, missile launchers, and defense industrial base, and noted Iran’s economy is “far worse today than it was six to nine months ago.”
On Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei-wounded in U.S.-Israeli attacks and unseen in public since taking office after his father Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes-Rubio said: “I think there are indications out there that he is increasingly engaging at some level.”