Rubio says progress made in Iran talks but warns Trump has other options

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says there are signs of progress in efforts to secure a deal with Iran but warns major challenges remain, adding that President Trump has other options if talks fail. Rubio said: "I think we've made some progress, but obviously we're dealing with a system that itself is a little fractured — the Iranian system. The president's preference is to do a good deal. If we can get a good deal done, that would be great."
Rubio also rejected Iran's proposed tolling system in the Strait of Hormuz, saying: "We've always said a tolling system in the straits would be unacceptable. No one in the world is in favor of a tolling system. It can't happen. It would make a diplomatic deal unfeasible if they were to continue to pursue that." A senior Iranian official told Al Jazeera that negotiators are "very close" to a ceasefire framework with the US and are currently working on a draft text, though another source warned it is still too early to judge whether a serious final agreement is within reach. Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, is expected in Tehran in the coming days as Islamabad steps up its role as the main mediator.

To discuss this further, we are joined by our correspondents Kimberly Halkett at the White House and Almigdad Alruhaid in Tehran.

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