Rubio Signals Possible Iran Deal as Diplomacy Gains Momentum but Tensions Persist

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday that a deal aimed at ending the war with Iran could be reached within days, even as US President Donald Trump urged caution and said negotiations were still incomplete.

Speaking during an official visit to New Delhi, Rubio told reporters that discussions between Washington and Tehran had reached an advanced stage, particularly on reopening key shipping routes. He noted that while progress had been made, the situation remained fluid and far from final.

“We thought we might have some news last night, maybe today,” Rubio said. “I wouldn’t read too much into it.”

He added that proposals on the table included provisions to reopen strategic maritime corridors that have been restricted since the outbreak of hostilities. However, he warned that unresolved issues could still delay any agreement.

The diplomatic push follows months of indirect engagement between the two sides, with mediation efforts involving regional powers. Pakistan has played an increasingly active role, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Asim Munir participating in discussions with Chinese leaders in Beijing this week.

Sharif said Pakistan was committed to facilitating dialogue and described the current moment as critical for regional stability. Chinese officials also reiterated their support for de-escalation, stating that Beijing would work alongside Islamabad to help restore peace in the Middle East.

Despite signs of progress, both Washington and Tehran continue to differ on key issues. Iranian state-linked outlets reported that disagreements remain over frozen assets and the sequencing of sanctions relief. Officials in Tehran have confirmed that parts of a draft framework exist, but said several clauses are still under negotiation.

The talks have also influenced global markets, with oil prices dropping sharply amid expectations that supply routes could stabilise if an agreement is reached.

Trump, posting on Truth Social, said negotiators should not rush the process. “We have informed our representatives not to rush into a deal,” he wrote, adding that any agreement must be “proper and fully negotiated” before implementation.

In parallel remarks, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed that any final settlement must eliminate what he described as the nuclear threat from Iran entirely, highlighting continuing regional concerns about Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated that Tehran is not seeking nuclear weapons, though he stopped short of confirming whether this position would be formally included in any final agreement.

Meanwhile, regional tensions remain high. Israel has continued strikes in Lebanon, where Hezbollah remains active. US officials have accused the group of destabilising efforts in Lebanon, further complicating the broader security environment.

As negotiations continue, officials on all sides have acknowledged that while momentum has improved, significant gaps remain before a comprehensive agreement can be reached.