Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that Iran has passed up multiple chances to reach a deal on its nuclear program, as the seven-month U.S.-led war against Iran stays stalled. An Iranian official told Reuters there have been no negotiations and that Tehran will never give up its right to enrich. The impasse coincides with rising tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and higher oil prices.
Rubio cites missed opportunities
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that Iran has failed to take advantage of multiple opportunities to reach agreement with Washington on its nuclear program, speaking during a visit to Greece. Curtailment of Iran's nuclear ambitions remains a core U.S. demand, but efforts toward a lasting ceasefire between the two sides remain fruitless.
Iran, however, indicated there have been no negotiations between Tehran and Washington over the nuclear program, according to a Reuters report. The news agency cited a senior Iranian official who said U.S. ideas about the program conflict with those of the Islamic Republic.
Rubio's remarks follow comments by Vice President JD Vance, who said earlier this week that any agreement must include a meaningful reduction in Iran's nuclear enrichment. The senior Iranian official said Vance's comments reflect American interests and ideas, adding that according to Reuters: "Iran will never give up its right to enrich", though enrichment details can be discussed later. President Trump last week denied reports that he had pitched sanctions relief to Iran in exchange for nuclear concessions.
Oil prices rise as Hormuz attacks continue
The stalemate has coincided with Iran ramping up attacks on tankers carrying crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz in recent days, where vessels now rely on U.S. military protection to navigate the waterway. Energy prices moved higher Wednesday, following two separate attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis on airports in Saudi Arabia.
Brent crude rose 0.64% to $101.23, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures climbed 0.21% to $89.63.
Source: US Top News and Analysis
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