Rubio: Resolving the Iranian nuclear issue is impossible in 72 hours
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio categorically stated that a comprehensive agreement to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue in just 72 hours. Rubio explained that the preliminary understanding currently being worked on to de-escalate military tensions in the Middle East will not provide a radical solution to this complex issue at this time, noting the intricate technical nature of the negotiations, which require more time to achieve tangible results.
The roots of the crisis and developments in the Iranian nuclear file
To understand the current complexities, one must consider the historical context of the crisis. The roots of the recent tensions lie in the United States' withdrawal in 2018, during President Donald Trump's first term, from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the 2015 nuclear agreement. Since then, the region has witnessed a steady escalation, with Tehran increasing its uranium enrichment levels, raising concerns within the international community. In this context, Rubio, in an interview with The New York Times, justified the exclusion of the nuclear issue from the initial, hasty agreement, emphasizing that nuclear negotiations are highly technical matters that cannot be resolved in a matter of days. He stressed that Washington prefers to ensure that Tehran does not acquire a nuclear weapon through carefully considered and deliberate diplomatic means.
Washington refuses to rush and is studying the regional and international implications
Any potential agreement carries immense importance and a profound impact at both the regional and international levels. Regionally, neighboring countries seek to ensure the stability and security of the Arabian Gulf and protect its waterways, while internationally, the entire world is watching the impact of these tensions on global energy markets. In this regard, Rubio indicated that seven or eight countries in the region support the current US approach. Despite initial optimism about reaching an understanding to end the war that erupted in late February, President Trump tempered this enthusiasm, emphasizing that negotiations are proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner, and that time is on Washington's side, while cautioning against rushing into an agreement to ensure the fulfillment of all strategic interests.
Details of the anticipated agreement and postponement of contentious points
The US administration has not officially disclosed all aspects of the understanding currently being worked on. However, diplomatic sources, including Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei, indicated that a 14-point memorandum has been prepared stipulating the cessation of military operations, while postponing discussion of the deeper points of contention to a later stage of 30 to 60 days. Rubio explained that this anticipated understanding would allay Washington's concerns regarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for the global economy that has recently experienced disruptions. He added that this step would mark the beginning of a process ultimately aimed at achieving the US administration's vision of a world free from nuclear threats.
Internal criticisms and the objectives of Operation Epic Rage
This approach has not been without its critics within American political circles. Prominent figures such as Senator Ted Cruz and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have expressed their opposition to granting Tehran any economic concessions, such as facilitating oil sales, warning of disastrous consequences. In response to these concerns, Rubio defended the administration's position, reminding the audience that President Trump had taken unprecedentedly firm stances against Tehran, most notably launching the military operation known as "Epic Wrath." Rubio asserted that this operation achieved its precisely defined objectives, which included destroying naval capabilities, significantly reducing Tehran's ballistic missile capabilities, and inflicting severe damage on its defense industrial base, thus placing Washington in a strong and comfortable negotiating position.
