U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a nuclear deal with Iran remains within reach and could be finalized in a few days [1].
The statement comes as the U.S. carries out military strikes against Iranian targets, creating a volatile environment for diplomatic negotiations. A successful agreement would potentially stabilize regional tensions and prevent further nuclear escalation.
Rubio said that negotiators are currently working through the wording of an initial draft agreement [2]. He said that finalizing the specific terms of the deal could take several days [1].
Despite the ongoing military friction, the U.S. is pushing to finalize the agreement quickly to ensure strategic waterways remain open [2]. Rubio said the straits would remain accessible "one way or another" [2].
While some reports suggest that U.S. strikes on Iranian missile sites have complicated the peace-deal effort, Rubio said that the objective is still attainable [2]. The timeline for the finalization remains tight, with Rubio saying, "It could take a few days" [3].
Separate but related discussions have also touched upon a potential cease-fire extension that could last up to 60 days [4].
“"Negotiators are still working through the wording of an initial draft agreement and finalising the terms could take several days."”
The U.S. is pursuing a 'dual-track' strategy, employing military pressure through strikes while simultaneously engaging in high-stakes diplomacy. By prioritizing the accessibility of strategic waterways, the U.S. is signaling that global economic stability and the flow of trade are critical drivers for concluding the nuclear agreement quickly, even amid active conflict.
