U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States expected a response from Iran on Friday, May 8, 2026 [1], regarding a peace proposal.

This development signals a critical juncture in diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region, as the U.S. attempts to balance a peace offering with a firm military deterrent.

Rubio said the comments to reporters following meetings with Italian leaders. The remarks occurred during a two-day [2] "fence-mending" visit to Italy. He said that the U.S. is awaiting a reply to the ongoing diplomatic discussions and said, "We should know something today" [3].

Beyond the peace proposal, Rubio addressed reports that Iran intends to establish a new agency to control the Strait of Hormuz. He said such a plan was unacceptable [4]. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime chokepoint for global energy shipments, and any attempt to restrict its passage could trigger international economic instability.

Rubio issued a direct warning to Tehran regarding the safety of American naval assets in the region. He said that if Tehran attacks U.S. Navy ships, "they’re going to get blown up" [5].

While some reports describe Rubio as also serving as the White House national security adviser [6], his primary role in these discussions remains the lead diplomat for the U.S. government. The visit to Italy served as a backdrop for these warnings, emphasizing the importance of European alliances in managing Middle Eastern tensions.

“"We should know something today."”

The U.S. is employing a 'carrot and stick' strategy by simultaneously offering a peace proposal and threatening overwhelming military force. By tying the expectation of a diplomatic response to a stern warning about the Strait of Hormuz, the administration is attempting to prevent Iran from gaining strategic leverage over global oil transit routes while leaving a narrow window for a negotiated settlement.