U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that Iran is missing out on “multiple” chances to reach an agreement on its nuclear program as talks between Washington and Tehran over a durable Middle East peace deal remain stalled.
“Iran has failed to take advantage of multiple opportunities to reach an agreement with us on its nuclear program,” Rubio said during a visit to Greece.
Curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions remains a key part of U.S. demands, as efforts to reach a permanent ceasefire agreement between the two countries prove fruitless.
Rubio’s comments come after Vice President Vance told Reuters earlier this week that any deal to resolve the seven-month conflict must include a commitment from Iran to “meaningful” reductions in nuclear enrichment.
President Donald Trump last week denied reports that he had offered to ease sanctions on Iran in exchange for nuclear concessions.
Brent crude oil.
In the absence of any deal, Iran has stepped up attacks on tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz in recent days, and ships now rely on U.S. military protection to navigate the vital waterway.
Energy prices rose on Wednesday following two separate attacks on Saudi airports by Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthis.
brent crude oilThe international oil benchmark rose 0.64% to $101.23. West Texas Intermediate Futures It rose 0.21% to $89.63.
