The key facts
- Rubio suggested that a diplomatic settlement with Iran may be unattainable
- Talks after the June memorandum have not produced a final agreement
- The statement was made against the backdrop of US strikes on Iranian air defenses on Qeshm island
Rubio assessed the prospects of the talks
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested on Sunday that reaching a diplomatic agreement with Iran may prove impossible, accusing Tehran of putting forward unrealistic demands. According to him, the talks are not close to a breakthrough, although a number of countries continue to offer Iran various ideas. Anadolu quotes him as saying:.
Context of the conflict and military actions
Rubio defended President Donald Trump's approach to the war with Iran, which has been going on for nine months, arguing that Trump confronted a long-standing threat to US security despite possible political costs. He also stated that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons must remain a bipartisan priority. According to the outlet, the US and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28; a ceasefire was reached in April, and a memorandum on a peace agreement was signed in June, but the talks never led to a final settlement.
Strikes and conditions for the use of force
Rubio's statement came after limited US strikes on the Iranian island of Qeshm in the Strait of Hormuz: on Friday, Trump confirmed that American forces had attacked Iranian air defense systems. When asked about the conditions for further strikes, the secretary of state described US actions as defensive and dependent on threats to American forces or shipping:
