HELSINGBORG, Sweden — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday that talks aimed at resolving differences with Iran over its nuclear program have shown some progress, while reiterating that Tehran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.
Rubio made the comments to reporters after a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Helsingborg. He described the state of the negotiations as having “some progress” but stressed that substantial work remains.
“There’s been some progress. I wouldn’t exaggerate it. I wouldn’t diminish it,” Rubio said. “There’s more work to be done. We’re not there yet. I hope we get there.”
The talks, mediated in part by Pakistan and involving other channels, come amid efforts to address Iran’s nuclear activities following earlier military actions and a fragile ceasefire earlier this year. U.S. officials have maintained that any agreement must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capability.
Rubio said President Donald Trump prefers a diplomatic resolution but has other options available if negotiations do not succeed. Details of the specific proposals under discussion, including timelines or technical aspects of uranium enrichment limits, remain unclear.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman has described the differences between the two sides as deep and significant. Iran has previously insisted on its right to a peaceful nuclear program, while the United States and Israel have cited concerns over potential military dimensions.
Major sticking points include the future of Iran’s uranium enrichment activities and control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments. U.S. officials have demanded that Iran abandon paths to nuclear weapons and open the strait without imposing tolls.
The discussions follow a period of heightened tensions that included direct conflict involving U.S. and Israeli actions against Iranian targets. Rubio has previously stated that those operations significantly set back Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
As of Friday, negotiations were continuing through intermediaries, according to reports citing sources close to the process. No agreement has been announced, and both sides continue to express caution about the prospects for a breakthrough.
Rubio reaffirmed the U.S. position that Iran “can never have a nuclear weapon.”
Further rounds of indirect talks are expected in the coming days, though officials have not provided a specific schedule for any potential announcements.
