US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has claimed that Iran is eager to reach an agreement with the United States but is not yet prepared to make the necessary commitments to secure a deal.
Speaking to reporters, Rubio said Tehran appears to want negotiations but has not shown enough willingness to meet the conditions required by Washington. He added that the United States remains open to diplomacy but expects Iran to take concrete steps before any agreement can be reached.
Iran has not immediately responded to Rubio's remarks. Iranian officials have repeatedly said they are willing to negotiate, provided their national interests are respected and sanctions-related concerns are addressed.
The comments come amid continued tensions between Washington and Tehran over regional security, Iran's nuclear programme, and recent military confrontations in the Middle East.
Analysts say both sides remain interested in avoiding further escalation, but significant differences over the terms of any potential agreement continue to stand in the way of a breakthrough.