Rubio said negotiations were still “a work in progress” and that Washington believed it had put a “pretty solid thing on the table”, though it was still waiting for a response from Tehran.
“We thought we would have some news last night. It takes a while to hear back,” Rubio said, adding that there was a “real, significant time limit” on the nuclear issue.
Rubio said Trump was willing to take time over negotiations rather than agree to what he considers a weak deal.
“The President said he is not in a hurry and he is not going to make a bad deal,” Rubio said. “I am very confident. We are either gonna have a good agreement, or we have to deal (with) it in another way. We prefer to have a good agreement.”
His comments came a day after Trump said the ongoing negotiations with Tehran were moving ahead in an “orderly and constructive manner”, while stressing that the US would maintain its naval blockade until a final agreement was reached and formally signed.
“The Blockade will remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed,” Trump said, signalling Washington would continue economic and maritime pressure on Tehran during the talks.
At the same time, Trump struck a more conciliatory tone on broader ties with Iran, saying, “Our relationship with Iran is becoming a much more professional and productive one.”
He reiterated, however, that Tehran “cannot develop or procure a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb”, while also floating the possibility of Iran eventually joining the Abraham Accords.
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First Published: May 25, 2026 10:35 AM IST
