'Good news' coming soon in US-Iran talks, Rubio signals progress

During his visit to India, Rubio suggested that important updates on the negotiations could be announced soon.

"I do think there's some good news on that front, but not final news," the US Secretary of State said. "But perhaps a little bit later today we'll have more to say."

He added that the sides have made progress in recent days, although difficult issues still remain.

"Some progress has been made," Rubio said. "I don’t want to downplay that, but I also want to caveat it by saying we still have some work to do."

He also said the United States is working with partners in the Gulf countries on the parameters of a possible agreement.

According to Rubio, the US has seen "some progress over the last 48 hours," and if negotiations succeed, it could "leave us not just with a completely open straits — and I mean open straits without tolls — and with addressing some of the key things that underpin what has been Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions in the past."

US-Iran negotiations

As a reminder, in recent days the United States and Iran have intensified talks on a potential peace deal.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the sides are discussing a so-called memorandum of understanding as a first step toward a future agreement, after which they may move to a broader nuclear deal within 30–60 days.

US President Donald Trump previously said that a deal between the sides was largely agreed, with only certain details left to finalize.

One of the central issues in the talks is the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global oil and gas shipments passed before the conflict.

However, Tehran later denied Trump's claims about a full opening of the strait, stressing that control over the route, shipping permits, and navigation rules will remain under the Islamic Republic's authority.