Heated debate in US Senate over Trump's Iran strategy
Rubio rejects claims Washington is desperate for deal: Says talks with Iran no guarantee for final agreement: Insists Iran must reopen Strait of Hormuz before any agreement
The US Senate sitting on Wednesday witnessed heated exchanges as Democratic lawmakers challenged the Trump administration's approach towards Iran.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, Cory Booker questioned why Washington was continuing to pursue diplomatic engagement despite heightened tensions across the Middle East.
Booker argued that the administration's strategy appeared contradictory at a time of growing instability in the region and sought clarification on the rationale behind maintaining negotiations with Tehran.
Responding to the criticism, Rubio rejected suggestions that the United States was seeking an agreement from a position of weakness.
He said it was inaccurate to portray Washington as "begging" Iran for a deal and insisted that the administration remained committed to protecting American interests and regional security.
US Secretary of State Senator Marco Rubio has cautioned that ongoing negotiations with Iran do not guarantee a final agreement, while outlining a series of conditions that Washington expects Tehran to meet before any sanctions relief can be considered.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, speaking before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio said the first requirement for progress in the negotiations was the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
He stated that Iran must make a clear and public commitment to keeping the strategic waterway open to international shipping.
Rubio also indicated that any easing of US sanctions would depend on Iran accepting key American demands. Among those conditions, he said, was the disposal of Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium, a longstanding point of contention in international efforts to curb Tehran's nuclear programme.
The secretary of state stressed that discussions concerning Iran's nuclear activities were highly technical and complex, requiring detailed negotiations between the two sides.
The Senate hearing underscored growing political debate in Washington over the future of US-Iran relations, with lawmakers divided over the balance between diplomacy, economic pressure and regional security concerns.
As negotiations continue, uncertainty remains over whether the two sides can bridge their differences on key issues, including nuclear activities, sanctions and security arrangements in the Gulf region.