Iran, US-Israel war LIVE updates: ‘Good news in next few hours,’ Rubio says US-Iran deal could happen today
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested a deal to end US-Iran tensions could materialize within hours, citing progress in negotiations, while Iranian officials downplayed expectations, emphasizing unresolved disputes and Israeli interference. A proposed framework would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and include uranium disposal, but details remain unclear, with critics in Israel and the US questioning the agreement’s terms.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated on Monday that a potential deal between Washington and Tehran to de-escalate tensions could be finalized within hours, describing the negotiations as having ‘a pretty solid thing on the table.’ Rubio stated that progress was delayed due to Iran’s slow response, but he expressed optimism that ‘the world will get some good news’ soon. The proposed agreement reportedly includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and requiring Iran to dispose of its highly enriched uranium, though a senior US official noted that a broader, permanent deal would take 60 days to negotiate. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, contradicted the optimism, calling the talks ‘very close and very far’ from completion. He accused Israel of attempting to sabotage negotiations and warned there were ‘no guarantees’ the US would uphold any agreement. Baghaei clarified that discussions were focused solely on ending the war, not addressing Iran’s nuclear program. Former US President Donald Trump commented on the potential deal, stating that any agreement under his administration would be ‘good and proper,’ unlike the Obama-era nuclear deal. However, he emphasized that negotiations were still incomplete and details were not yet public. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his stance that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons, while US lawmakers from both parties criticized the emerging proposal. Pakistan and Oman have played key roles in mediation efforts. Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir visited China and Tehran, while Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi discussed reopening the Strait of Hormuz with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. China pledged to work with Pakistan to restore regional peace and stability. Meanwhile, Malaysia announced plans to take legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice over the detention of activists from a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. Selangor Chief Minister Amirudin Shari alleged that activists were kidnapped and tortured after Israeli forces intercepted the vessel in international waters. The Malaysian government vowed to escalate diplomatic pressure and pursue legal avenues to address the issue.
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