President Trump denied reports that U.S.-Iran talks have stopped, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio detailed ongoing negotiations and challenges, including Iran's failure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
WASHINGTON —
President Donald Trump rejected claims that communication between the U.S. and Iran has ceased, calling them "false and erroneous" and emphasizing that the two sides are in daily contact, including discussions held earlier today.
Trump also warned Iran that it is time to finalize a deal "one way or another."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers that Iran has begun negotiating aspects of its nuclear program that it previously refused to discuss.
"They have agreed to negotiate aspects of their nuclear program that just a month ago, just a year ago, they were refusing to even mention much less in terms of discussions about," Rubio said. He added, "That is not a guarantee that ultimately it will lead to a deal that's acceptable to the Senate or acceptable to the American people."
Rubio revealed that Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as part of a ceasefire but has not yet done so. He said this is why the U.S. is now blockading Iranian ships and seizing vessels under sanctions. Rubio stated the blockade is costing Iran hundreds of millions of dollars daily in lost revenue.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is also affecting Americans, with gas prices rising to an average of $4.29 per gallon, according to AAA. Oil prices increased again today.
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