U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that Washington remains open to a negotiated settlement with Iran, but stressed that Tehran must first stop violating the terms of the existing memorandum of understanding, particularly regarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. 'You can’t have a MoU that’s alive if they’re violating the terms of it,' Rubio said.
The remarks come hours after Rubio stated that Iran is signaling willingness for negotiations (The Zioneer, Mon 10:44). Today's statement appears to set a condition: the existing Memorandum of Understanding must be respected by Tehran for talks to proceed. Rubio specifically cited violations related to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, saying 'the straits are supposed to be open—free of tolls, free of attacks, free of all the things they’re doing against these ships.' The US has been engaged in a diplomatic track with Iran, with a 60-day negotiating framework agreed in Switzerland. The Zioneer has reported extensively on Rubio's statements regarding the Iran deal, including his reassurances to Gulf states and his description of the MOU as a framework document.
- DevelopingRubio: Iran violated pledge to open Strait of Hormuz, attacked 3 ships
- StrongSecretary of State Rubio discusses Iran deal and Strait of Hormuz with UAE leadership
- DevelopingRubio dismisses Iranian 'extreme rhetoric', warns US will act if ships blocked
- StrongRubio: US on track to sign Iran deal, Israeli strikes won't derail process
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