US Secretary of State Rubio expects Iran response on peace proposal by end of day
The administration is awaiting a decision on a proposal to conclude the conflict in Iran, with Secretary Marco Rubio indicating a response is due by close of business.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Friday that Washington anticipates a response from Iran regarding a proposal to end the war by the end of the day. The announcement marks a critical juncture in diplomatic efforts, as the administration looks to finalise terms for a potential cessation of hostilities.
Rubio explicitly told reporters that the United States expects a reply to the peace proposal today. While the specific details of the offer remain undisclosed in public reports, the timeline set by the State Department suggests a high level of urgency in the ongoing negotiations.
This development occurs against a backdrop of significant diplomatic activity involving senior US officials. Earlier in the week, Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV in Rome to address tensions between the White House and the Vatican, which had been exacerbated by public remarks from President Donald Trump regarding the pontiff's stance on the Iran war.
The broader geopolitical landscape remains complex, with relations between the US and Italy also showing signs of strain. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly defended the Pope, leading to a deterioration in ties with the US President over the conflict. Rubio is scheduled to meet with Meloni following his visit to the Vatican, highlighting the intricate web of international relations influencing the current crisis.
In related financial and regulatory news, the U.S. Justice Department dropped a criminal probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell concerning renovation cost overruns at the Fed's Washington headquarters. This decision clears the way for the confirmation of Kevin Warsh as the new Federal Reserve chair, removing a legal obstacle to his appointment.
The outcome of Iran's anticipated response remains unknown, leaving markets and policymakers to watch closely for any official statement from Tehran before the day concludes. The focus remains on whether the proposed terms will be accepted or rejected in the coming hours.
