US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is privately trying to open a path to an agreement with Washington, even as Tehran remains unwilling to accept the kind of deal the United States wants. His remarks pointed to a gap between behind-the-scenes contacts and any public breakthrough.
Rubio's comments came as attacks on Iran were reported for a 12th consecutive night, underscoring how diplomacy and military pressure are unfolding at the same time. He also described the US position in hard-line terms, signaling that Washington does not see talks alone as enough without major concessions from Tehran.
The latest exchange suggests that any negotiations would face serious obstacles despite signs of private outreach. Iran may be seeking a way to halt the fighting, but Rubio indicated that the country is not yet prepared to meet the conditions needed for an agreement.
For now, the standoff appears unresolved, with continued strikes adding urgency to diplomatic efforts. Rubio's account highlights a tense moment in US-Iran relations, where indirect contact may be increasing but a workable deal still looks out of reach.
