Hours before the start of a new round of crucial negotiations, prominent US Senator Marco Rubio hinted that a diplomatic solution with Iran regarding its nuclear program was still possible, but he linked this optimism to clear and strict conditions, stressing that the talks represent a new opportunity that must be exploited wisely.
In remarks carried by Al Arabiya, Rubio expressed hope that the talks would be fruitful, but stressed that Tehran's insistence on not discussing its ballistic missile program was a "very big problem." He explained, "If Iran wants to reach an agreement, it has to get rid of its ballistic missiles." He also noted that Iran is not currently enriching uranium at the same rate as before, but warned that it could quickly resume doing so if given the opportunity, reflecting deep concern in Washington about Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Historical background of tension and negotiations
These statements come amid a tense and complex context in US-Iranian relations. After years of marathon negotiations, Iran and the P5+1 group of world powers reached the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, in 2015. Under this agreement, Tehran agreed to significantly restrict its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of international economic sanctions. However, the administration of former US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the agreement in 2018, arguing that it did not adequately address Iran's ballistic missile program and its destabilizing regional role. This led to a campaign of "maximum pressure" through the reimposition of harsh economic sanctions on Tehran.
The importance of the talks and their regional and international impact
The current round of negotiations is of paramount strategic importance, not only to Washington and Tehran, but to the entire region and the world. Its success could defuse a crisis that nearly ignited a war in the Middle East, restore stability to global oil markets, and open the door to broader dialogue on other security issues. Conversely, its failure could lead to a dangerous escalation, potentially pushing Iran to accelerate its nuclear program and increasing the likelihood of a regional military conflict, thus threatening international navigation in vital waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Pressure strategy in parallel with diplomacy
Rubio asserted that Iran has long posed a threat to the United States, noting its possession of conventional weapons designed to attack American interests and those of its allies. He added that Tehran is seeking to acquire intercontinental ballistic missiles, which Washington considers a red line. Alongside diplomatic efforts, the United States continues to utilize its economic tools to pressure Tehran. The US Treasury Department imposed a new round of sanctions targeting more than 30 individuals, entities, and vessels involved in facilitating Iran's illicit oil sales and financing its weapons program, underscoring that the pressure campaign will continue until a comprehensive and sustainable agreement is reached.
