The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has disclosed that the US President, Donald Trump, still prioritizes diplomacy to end the ongoing conflict with Iran, and that the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened in some form after the war. In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Marco Rubio stated that indirect communication and messages are being exchanged between the US and Iran, but Iran has denied any negotiation.
Pakistan has announced that it will host direct talks in the coming days to find a permanent solution to the war. The Israeli military has confirmed that 261 of its soldiers have been injured since the conflict began, but the number of casualties remains unclear. The US has been supporting Israel in its conflict with Iran, which started on February 28. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has led to increased tensions and volatility in the global oil market.
Marco Rubio emphasized that the US wants Iran to give up its nuclear program, limit its missile and drone capabilities, and stop supporting armed groups in the region. He stated that the US position is that Iran is seeking nuclear weapons, while Tehran claims that its program is for peaceful purposes. The US is reportedly considering a special forces operation to seize enriched uranium in Iran, but the White House has not made a final decision.
US officials have confirmed that the US military has targeted a large arms depot in Isfahan, weighing 2000 pounds, with precision-guided bombs. Marco Rubio hinted that the US wants to see a leadership in Iran that adopts a different policy. He stated that the situation after the departure of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is unclear, and the system of decision-making is uncertain.
The US Secretary of State emphasized that Iran’s missile and drone capabilities must be eliminated to ensure regional stability, as they could be used to target Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bennett, stated that the US will regain control of the Strait of Hormuz with time. Marco Rubio was clear that the Strait will be reopened, either by Iran adhering to international law or by the international community ensuring its opening.
The French Navy Chief stated that the number of Chinese ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz is not enough to restore normal traffic. Jordan has announced that it will host direct talks to find a permanent solution to the war. The US has reportedly instructed Ambassador James Deane to engage in talks with Iranian officials on a private level. The Iranian government has responded by stating that the remarks of President Trump are baseless and inaccurate.
In a recent development, a tanker was targeted by a missile off the coast of Qatar, but the crew was safe. Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sarr, has denied that the conflict with Iran is the last war for Israel. The French Navy Chief stated that the number of Chinese ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz is not enough to restore normal traffic.
