US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described the chances of reaching an agreement with Iran as ‘pretty solid’ and said a deal could be reached as early as Monday. According to the Guardian, Rubio stated that a deal could materialize ‘today’. US Donald Trump also expressed confidence, saying talks with Iran were proceeding constructively.
The optimistic signals from Washington caused the oil price to fall. Traders reacted to the prospect of a diplomatic resolution to the conflict between the US and Iran, which had recently weighed on global energy markets. A breakthrough in negotiations could increase supply security and reduce speculative price premiums.
However, the spokesperson of the Iranian parliament, Ebrahim Rezaei, set clear conditions. On platform X, he wrote: ‘Iran does not bow to force or threats.’ He warned the US against ‘bluffing’ and emphasized that Tehran is pursuing a principle of ‘action for action’ in the diplomatic confrontation. If the US wants a deal, they must negotiate – otherwise, higher gasoline prices could follow.
Trump faces domestic pressure, including from within his own party. Critics accuse him of either making too many concessions or, conversely, risking military escalation. The president himself, however, expressed confidence in finding a mutually acceptable solution.
Talks between Washington and Tehran have been ongoing behind the scenes for weeks. Mediators from the Middle East and Europe are said to be involved in drafting a framework agreement addressing Iran’s nuclear program and regional activities. A final breakthrough is still pending, but recent statements suggest movement.
EuroPulse reported on May 22, 2026, about Rubio’s announcement that the NATO summit in Ankara would be one of the most important in history – a sign of the close interconnection between Iran diplomacy and transatlantic security policy (link to article).
Source: www.theguardian.com
