Rubio Says US Seeks Deal With Iran on Strait of Hormuz, Nuclear Program

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday that Washington is working toward an agreement with Iran that would include reopening the Strait of Hormuz and abandoning Tehran’s nuclear program. He said progress has been made in the negotiations, but a final deal has not yet been reached. Rubio said the US administration is weighing alternative options if Tehran does not reopen the strait. He added that a French and British initiative involving the waterway could be effective if a ceasefire is secured. He said the United States does not need outside help on the Iran file, though it would welcome support. Rubio also said no formal request has yet been made to NATO. The secretary of state said several countries are involved in related coordination, with Pakistan identified as a key partner. He also criticized restrictions on the use of US military bases in Europe during wartime, questioning their strategic value.