The Secretary of State Marco Rubio categorically dismissed this Sunday the possibility that the Trump administration could accept a nuclear agreement with Iran that would leave that country in a stronger position regarding its atomic ambitions, describing that idea as "absurd."
"The idea that this president —given everything he has already shown he is willing to do— would somehow accept an agreement that ultimately puts Iran in a stronger position regarding its nuclear ambitions is absurd. That simply is not going to happen," Rubio stated.
The head of U.S. diplomacy defended that Trump is the president who has done the most to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, emphasizing that his commitment to that principle "should not be questioned by anyone."
At the same time, Rubio noted that Washington's preference is to resolve the conflict through diplomatic means and acknowledged that "some progress" has been made, although he warned that the agreements on paper must be implemented: "You can agree on things in writing, and then you have to go out and do them."
The Secretary of State hinted that there could be "good news" in the coming hours regarding the Strait of Hormuz and a process that would lead the world to no longer have to fear an Iranian nuclear weapon, although he clarified that these are not "definitive news."
Rubio's statements come just hours after President Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social that the embargo against Iran will remain "in full effect" until a nuclear agreement is reached, certified, and signed, and he urged his negotiators not to rush because "time is on our side."
The central point of contention remains the uranium enrichment program. Washington demands its complete abandonment or a moratorium of up to 20 years, while Tehran defends it as an inalienable sovereign right and has offered timelines of between five and 15 years.
Iran currently possesses 440.9 kg of uranium enriched to 60%, close to the weapons-grade threshold of 90%, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The diplomatic process formally began on April 6, when Trump issued an ultimatum to Tehran to negotiate or face military attacks, followed by the establishment of a naval embargo on April 13.
Since then, the conversations have gone through multiple rounds with the mediation of Pakistan and Oman.
The fifth round, held on Saturday in Rome, ended without a definitive agreement. Trump had described the 14-point peace plan presented by Iran in early May as "totally unacceptable" and "a piece of garbage," although he kept the diplomatic channel open.
Iranian spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated this Sunday that both parties are in the "finalization stage" of a memorandum of understanding, but clarified that the nuclear issue is not being negotiated in this initial phase.
Trump concluded his message on Truth Social with a warning that summarizes his administration's stance: "The embargo will remain in full effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed. Both parties must take their time and do it right. There can be no mistakes!"
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