US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington had yet to receive a response from Iran regarding the proposals presented to Tehran, though the United States expected a reply later today.
Rubio said no country in the world wished to see Iran equipped with nuclear weapons, adding that the United States could not permit Tehran to acquire such arms under any circumstances.
He expressed hope that serious negotiations with Iran would continue to move forward.
The US secretary of state claimed the American Navy had blocked the route of 70 tankers heading towards Iran. He said Tehran sought control over the Strait of Hormuz, but added that international maritime routes could not remain under the control of any single country.
Rubio made clear that the strikes carried out on Iran last night were not part of Operation ‘Epic Fury’. He warned that any missile attack on the United States would receive a strong response.
Speaking on Lebanon, Rubio said Washington would not hold negotiations with Hezbollah and remained focused solely on the Lebanese government.
He said discussions held in Italy did not include any specific deployment of NATO or American troops, adding that the final decision on the matter would rest with the US president.
On US policy regarding China and Taiwan, Rubio said Washington’s position had not changed. He added that the Taiwan issue could come under discussion during a possible visit by the US president to China.
The US secretary of state also said Washington remained ready to mediate in efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war and sought progress in negotiations between both countries.
He warned that the United States would not waste time if no practical progress emerged regarding a ceasefire.
Rubio stressed that the United States would continue diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving international conflicts, but would avoid becoming entangled in prolonged negotiations without results.
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