Rubio says Iran passed up ‘multiple’ chances for nuclear deal

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that Iran has passed up “multiple” chances to reach a deal on its nuclear program, as talks between Washington and Tehran over a lasting Middle East peace agreement remain stalled.  

“Iran has failed to take advantage of multiple opportunities to reach agreement with us on nuclear program,” Rubio said during a visit to Greece.

Curtailment of Iran’s nuclear ambitions remains a critical part of U.S. demands, as efforts to reach a lasting ceasefire agreement between the two sides remain fruitless.

Iran indicated there have been “no negotiations” between Tehran and Washington over Iran’s nuclear program, according to a Reuters report. The news agency cited comments by a senior Iranian official involved in indirect talks with Washington, who said U.S. ideas about the program are “at odds” with those of the Islamic Republic.

Rubio’s remarks follow comments by Vice President J.D. Vance, who earlier this week said any agreement to resolve the seven-month conflict must include a commitment by Iran to a “meaningful” reduction in its nuclear enrichment.  

The senior Iranian official said Vance’s comments reflect American “ideas and interests,” adding, “Iran will never give up its right to enrich, but enrichment details can be discussed later.”

President Donald Trump last week denied reports that he had pitched sanctions relief to Iran in exchange for nuclear concessions.

The absence of any agreement has seen Iran ramp up attacks on tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz in recent days, where vessels now rely on U.S. military protection to navigate the critical waterway.

Energy prices moved higher on Wednesday, following two separate attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis on airports in Saudi Arabia.

Brent crude, the international oil benchmark, rose 0.64% to $101.23, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures climbed 0.21% to $89.63.