Rubio Signals Breakthrough as US and Iran Near Framework Agreement

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent stop in New Delhi has raised hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough with Iran. At a joint press conference with India’s foreign minister, Rubio suggested that a significant announcement could come soon, describing the trajectory as positive. Regional analyst Wail Awwad told IANS that the broad contours of a deal have already been agreed upon. According to Awwad, both sides have settled on a two-month timeline to address critical issues such as Hormuz Strait security, uranium enrichment caps, sanctions relief, and the fate of frozen Iranian funds. He stressed that the talks also encompass the possible drawdown of American forces in West Asia. Awwad traced Iran’s skepticism to repeated US sanctions dating back to 1979 and revived under former President Trump in 2018. Nevertheless, he believes the present moment offers a genuine chance for progress. Rubio reiterated Washington’s red line that Tehran must never obtain nuclear weapons, while Axios reported that a 60-day deal may be imminent.