Rubio says 'some progress' in Iran talks

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Saturday, May 23, that “some progress” had been made in talks with Iran, offering a guarded public update while visiting New Delhi. Rubio told reporters that Washington still preferred a diplomatic outcome, according to video published by the Associated Press and separate reporting by AP and Reuters. His remarks came as U.S. and Iranian officials, along with regional intermediaries, continued negotiations over a possible framework to end fighting and address the Strait of Hormuz. ### What exactly did Rubio say in New Delhi? Marco Rubio said in New Delhi that “there’s been some progress made” on Iran, according to AP video from his remarks on May 23. AP reported that Rubio also said a diplomatic solution remained Washington’s preferred outcome, while cautioning that it was unclear whether a deal would be reached or whether fighting could resume. (apnews.com) Reuters reported from New Delhi and Dubai that Rubio described the talks as showing progress but not completion. Reuters said he spoke after meetings in India and linked the diplomacy to wider discussions involving Iran, the United States and mediator Pakistan. ### What were the negotiations about? The Strait of Hormuz was one of the central issues tied to the talks, according to AP and Reuters. (apnews.com) AP reported on May 24 that the United States and Iran were close to agreeing on a memorandum of understanding to end the war, and that the arrangement under discussion included reopening the Strait of Hormuz. (aol.com) Reuters said the talks also involved Tehran’s nuclear program and Iran’s demand for sanctions relief. Other reports from India-based outlets, citing Rubio’s comments in New Delhi, said he restated Washington’s position that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon and referred to the handling of enriched uranium as part of the U.S. stance. ### Who was mediating between Washington and Tehran? (apnews.com) Pakistan was described by Reuters as a mediator in the latest round of talks. Reuters said Iran, the United States and Pakistan had all publicly indicated progress on May 23. Indian Express, citing Rubio, reported that he called Pakistan the “primary interlocutor” between the United States and Iran, while also crediting Qatar. (aol.com) That account aligns with broader reporting that regional governments were carrying proposals and counterproposals between the two sides rather than hosting direct public negotiations. ### Why was Rubio making these remarks in India? New Delhi was the setting for Rubio’s comments because he was in India for official meetings on May 23. Reuters and Indian media reports said Rubio met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and held talks focused on security and bilateral issues during his visit. The BBC clip referenced in the source material also placed Rubio’s Iran remarks alongside discussion of regional security and the Strait of Hormuz during his India stop. (indianexpress.com) AP’s video similarly showed him speaking to journalists while on that trip. ### How close are the two sides to an agreement? (aol.com) AP reported on May 24 that U.S. and Iranian officials were close to a memorandum of understanding, citing two regional officials and a diplomat. The same report said the proposed arrangement would aim to end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and set terms for next steps, though it also made clear the deal had not yet been finalized. (apnews.com) Reuters said the public language from Rubio and other officials pointed to movement, but not a completed agreement. As of May 24, the next concrete step in the reporting was continued work on a memorandum and further contacts involving U.S., Iranian and Pakistani officials. (aol.com) (apnews.com)