US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that US President Donald Trump still prefers a diplomatic solution, and that the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened “one way or another” after the end of the ongoing war with Iran.
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Marco Rubio said that indirect communication and exchange of messages between the United States and Iran are ongoing, but Iran has denied reports of negotiations.
Pakistan has also announced that it will host direct talks in the coming days to find a permanent solution to the war.
It should be noted that the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran began on February 28, after which the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in the region led to tension and severe unrest in global oil markets.
America’s demands
Marco Rubio said in his interview that the United States wants Iran to end its nuclear program, limit its missile and drone programs, and stop supporting armed groups in the region.
He says that the US maintains that Iran wants to acquire nuclear weapons, while Tehran has consistently said that its program is for peaceful purposes only.
Possible military action
According to US media, Washington is considering a special forces operation to seize enriched uranium in Iran, but the White House has said that no final decision has been made yet.