Rubio teases possible Iran breakthrough, says major announcement may come ‘later today’

WASHINGTON, DC: Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday, May 23, strongly suggested that negotiations surrounding Iran may be approaching a major turning point, telling reporters that a potentially significant announcement could arrive within hours.

Speaking during a visit to New Delhi, India, Rubio repeatedly hinted that diplomatic discussions were actively progressing behind the scenes, while cautioning that talks were still fluid.

Rubio signals a breakthrough with Iran

Rubio's remarks immediately fueled speculation that Washington and Tehran could be nearing a framework deal connected to the ongoing regional conflict and nuclear negotiations that have dominated international diplomacy for months.

“There may be news later today, there may not be. I hope there will be. I’m not sure yet,” Rubio said, teasing the possibility of a breakthrough without confirming whether an agreement had been finalized.

While avoiding specifics, Rubio made clear that negotiations were continuing in real time as he spoke to reporters.

“Even as I speak to you now, there’s some work being done,” he said. “There’s been some progress done, some progress made.”

The Secretary of State repeatedly emphasized that the Trump administration still prefers a negotiated outcome rather than renewed military escalation.

“The President’s preference is always to solve problems such as these through a negotiated diplomatic solution,” Rubio said.

He added, “That’s what we’re working on, and perhaps there’ll be something to talk about on that topic while I’m here on this visit at some point.”

Rubio also suggested that any possible announcement may not necessarily happen immediately, but could emerge within days if negotiations continue moving forward.

“There is a chance that whether it’s later today, tomorrow, in a couple days, we may have something to say,” he stated.

Uranium remains sticking point

Despite hinting at progress, Rubio made clear that the White House continues to view Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile as a major obstacle in negotiations.

“They need to turn over highly enriched uranium. We need to address that issue. We need to address the issue of enrichment,” he said.

Rubio also referenced the Strait of Hormuz, which has become a central issue during the conflict due to disruptions in global shipping and energy markets.

“The Straits need to be open without tolls,” Rubio said, signaling continued US pressure on Tehran over maritime access and oil transit routes.

The administration has repeatedly argued that any long-term agreement must include guarantees related to uranium enrichment, regional security, and commercial shipping through the Gulf.

Rubio stressed that these conditions have remained consistent throughout negotiations. “These are the President’s points consistently,” he said.

Iranian officials point to movement

Rubio’s comments came shortly after Iranian officials publicly acknowledged that discussions were advancing toward a possible framework agreement.

According to Iranian state media, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran is now drafting the structure of a potential deal aimed at ending hostilities with the United States.

“Within a reasonable period of 30 to 60 days, the details of these points will be discussed and a final agreement will ultimately be concluded,” Baghaei reportedly told state broadcaster IRIB.

He added that Iranian officials were “currently in the process of finalising these memoranda of understanding.”

The remarks from both Washington and Tehran suggest negotiations may be entering a more detailed phase after weeks of uncertainty, military threats and indirect diplomacy.