BUDAPEST: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday that reaching a deal with Iran would be difficult, a day before nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran in Geneva.
Speaking during a visit to Budapest, Rubio said there was an opportunity to reach a diplomatic agreement that addresses US concerns. However, he cautioned against overstating the chances of success.
“It’s going to be hard,” Rubio said, adding that previous efforts to secure meaningful agreements with Iran had proved challenging.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in Geneva. Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the two discussed cooperation with the agency and Tehran’s technical position on nuclear negotiations.
Araqchi said he aimed to secure a “fair and equitable deal.” He added that Iran would not accept submission under threats.
Tensions have intensified in recent weeks. Washington has deployed a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East. The move follows earlier US participation in air strikes on Iranian nuclear sites during Israel’s conflict with Iran in June.
On Monday, Iran launched military drills in the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway handles about a fifth of global oil shipments. Iran has repeatedly warned it could close the strait if attacked.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they conducted naval exercises to test readiness in protecting the strategic route. Separately, Iran’s civil defence authorities held a chemical response drill in the Pars Special Economic Energy Zone in southern Iran.
The renewed talks come after months of stalled negotiations. The United States wants to expand discussions beyond nuclear activities to include Iran’s missile stockpile. Tehran has rejected that proposal and insists it will only negotiate limits on its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. Iran also refuses to accept zero uranium enrichment and says its missile capabilities are non-negotiable.
Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said Iran was ready to compromise on its nuclear programme if Washington lifts sanctions. He added that the United States must demonstrate its willingness to reach a deal.
The IAEA has asked Iran to clarify the status of 440 kilograms of highly enriched uranium after Israeli and US strikes last year. The agency also seeks to resume full inspections at key nuclear sites, including Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he told US President Donald Trump that any agreement must dismantle Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. He said a deal should not merely halt enrichment but remove the equipment that enables it.