The diplomatic deadlock surrounding Iran’s nuclear program threatens to shift Washington’s tactics. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a visit to New Delhi, voiced a firm stance: if diplomatic tools fail, America will毫不犹豫地 switch to “alternative options”.
Washington’s Hardline Stance
Rubio did not hide that the White House has already presented Tehran with a specific proposal. It implies Iran’s ability to open the Strait of Hormuz and begin a “real, meaningful, and time-limited” dialogue. However, the American official emphasized that the US has a clear Plan B. If a “good deal” is not reached, Washington is ready to take another, more radical path.
Iran’s Response: Progress Exists, But Not the Right Kind
In Tehran, the statements from New Delhi were met with restraint. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghai confirmed that discussions on a potential memorandum of understanding are indeed moving forward. However, the Iranian side is quick to temper expectations: this does not yet mean that a final deal will be signed soon.
Moreover, the Iranian Foreign Ministry has shifted its focus. Currently, Tehran is solely focused on negotiations to end the war and refuses to engage in discussions on nuclear issues. The ministry also expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that American officials constantly change their positions, which, according to Iranians, only creates artificial obstacles to rapprochement.
The Time Factor and Trump
Against the backdrop of these statements, it is worth recalling recent words by US President Donald Trump. On May 24, he instructed his negotiators not to rush signing an agreement, stating that time is on Washington’s side. A day earlier, he acknowledged that the framework agreement—a memorandum of understanding—has already been “significantly achieved”.
The essence of the proposed document boils down to ceasing hostilities, opening the Strait of Hormuz, and lifting the US blockade. If the parties can agree within 30–60 days, a final document on ending the war will be agreed upon. According to CBS News, Iran has already made concessions and allegedly agreed to dispose of its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium.