Rubio Confirms Diplomatic Channels Remain Active
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on Sunday that diplomatic talks involving Iran have continued without interruption, though he declined to provide a timeline for a potential agreement or assess the progress of negotiations.
Speaking to reporters at the conclusion of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Georgia, Rubio affirmed that Washington remains open to a diplomatic solution capable of addressing its fundamental security concerns. When asked about the duration Washington intends to allow for diplomatic efforts before potentially resuming military operations, he emphasized that decisions on timing rest solely with President Donald Trump.
"There are multiple talks; talks have actually never stopped," Rubio said. "There's been active conversations going both in some cases directly, but often through intermediaries."
Rubio criticized Tehran over alleged maritime aggression threatening commercial vessels and its support for regional armed groups accused of destabilizing the wider Middle East, including Hezbollah, the Houthis, and militias challenging the Iraqi state.
White House Evaluates Military Options
The diplomatic statements came as US President Donald Trump consulted with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by telephone on Saturday regarding potential renewed military action against Iran, according to The Wall Street Journal citing sources familiar with the call.
Earlier in the week, Trump held a White House meeting where he consulted senior military leadership regarding strategic options for resuming major combat operations, the newspaper reported.
Rubio noted that President Trump has not yet taken a decision on further military action against Iran. The Secretary of State also stated that American naval forces were intercepting incoming drones and anti-ship missiles almost every night, though he added that petroleum transit volumes remained comparable to pre-conflict levels.
Iran Responds to US Posture
In response to the escalating tensions, Iran's top security official Mohsen Rezaei said the United States had a "completely shifted tone" in a letter from Vice President JD Vance, according to Al Jazeera.