Marco Rubio says Iran missed nuclear deal openings as Tehran denies negotiations

WASHINGTON, DC: Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran passed up multiple opportunities for a nuclear agreement as Washington and Tehran remain divided over talks.

The dispute centers on Iran's enrichment program, with Washington demanding limits while Tehran said it will not surrender its right to enrich.

Rubio made the remarks Wednesday, October 7, during a visit to Greece as efforts toward a lasting ceasefire agreement remained stalled.

Rubio says Iran passed up multiple chances

“Iran has failed to take advantage of multiple opportunities to reach agreement with us on nuclear program,” Rubio said during his visit to Greece.

Iran, however, disputed Washington's account of the discussions. 

A senior Iranian official involved in indirect talks with the United States said there have been “no negotiations” between Tehran and Washington over Iran's nuclear program, as per CNBC.

The official said US ideas about the program are “at odds” with Iran's position, the outlet cited. 

The official also said Iran would not surrender its right to enrich uranium, while leaving room for discussions over the details.

“Iran will never give up its right to enrich, but enrichment details can be discussed later,” the official said.

The competing accounts leave the two sides describing the state of nuclear discussions differently, while restrictions on enrichment remain central to Washington's position. 

JD Vance says enrichment must be reduced

Vice President JD Vance said Monday that any agreement must include a meaningful reduction in Iran's enrichment capacity rather than assurances of future nuclear drawdowns.

“If you don't want a nuclear weapon, then why do you need 60% enriched fuel?” Vance said after a campaign trip in Alaska, as per Fox News.

“And if you want to show commitment to not building a nuclear weapon, don't build highly enriched fuel. That's a very basic threshold issue,” he said.

Vance added, “I think if they want to show a commitment to not building a nuclear weapon, they would do something meaningful on their enrichment capacity.”

He also said Washington remains uncertain about how decisions are made in Tehran.

“One of the things we picked up on is it's not totally clear how their country makes decisions,” Vance said.

President Donald Trump last week denied reports that he had offered sanctions relief to Iran in exchange for nuclear concessions.

President Trump and Scott Bessent point to wider pressure

The nuclear dispute comes as the administration points to broader pressure on Iran, including sanctions and restrictions affecting its oil trade.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Tuesday that the measures had crippled Tehran's oil trade and pointed to the resignation of Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad.

“Iran has a new oil minister,” Bessent said in a post on X.

“Considering Iran has not loaded a single barrel of crude onto a vessel since August 25, what is the oil minister managing?” he asked.

Bessent's comments came as Washington ramps up “Operation Economic Outcast” to drive Iranian crude exports and revenues to zero.

Trump also said Tuesday that the United States was carrying the burden of the conflict, criticizing other countries for not doing more.

“We're really holding up the whole world. It's on our shoulders, and we love doing it in a certain way,” Trump said at Sparrow Point in Maryland.

“We love doing it because we've gotten stronger and others have gotten weaker,” he said.