In an exclusive interview, the U.S. Secretary of State says Donald Trump seeks diplomacy but demands that Iran end its nuclear and missile programs immediately.

Published On: 30 Mar 2026

Location: Washington, D.C.

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has told GPN that the Strait of Hormuz will “reopen one way or another” in the wake of the eventual end of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

The exclusive interview on Monday came as speculation grows over a possible U.S. troop deployment in Iran and as the effective closure of the strait continues to roil global oil markets. U.S. "boots on the ground" would represent a new phase in the grinding conflict, which began on February 28 with U.S.-Israeli strikes.

Diplomacy and Direct Talks

Despite the escalation, Rubio maintained that the Trump administration is still pursuing a diplomatic track. “There are messages and some direct talks going on between some inside of Iran and the United States, primarily through intermediaries,” Rubio told GPN, although Iran has officially denied these claims.

Pakistan announced on Sunday that it would host direct talks in the coming days to seek a "comprehensive and lasting settlement." Rubio added that President Trump “always prefers an outcome... and we could have done this before.”

Nuclear and Ballistic Demands

The Secretary of State reiterated the administration's hardline stance on Tehran’s military capabilities. He called on Iran to permanently end its nuclear program and curtail its drone and missile production.

“They need to stop building weapons that can threaten their neighbors,” Rubio said, specifically citing the threat of short-range missiles to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

The interview followed reports from the Wall Street Journal suggesting that the U.S. is considering Special Forces operations to seize enriched uranium stored within Iran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt did not deny these reports, stating that the Pentagon must provide the Commander-in-Chief with "maximum optionality."

The "One Way or Another" Mandate

Turning to the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed to commercial traffic, Rubio voiced optimism regarding its reopening.

“The Strait of Hormuz will reopen one way or another once our military operation in Iran is over,” Rubio said. “The strait will reopen either with Iran’s consent or through an international coalition including the U.S.” He further threatened “severe consequences” if any attempt is made to close the waterway after active fighting ends.

Clear Objectives

Rubio’s statements reflect the broader list of Washington’s demands, which include degrading Iran’s military capability and preventing the development of nuclear weapons. While Israel has pushed for comprehensive regime change, the U.S. administration has presented a carousel of objectives that focus on regional stability.

To date, the conflict has resulted in significant casualties, including at least 1,937 people in Iran, 20 in Israel, and 13 U.S. soldiers.

“Our objectives in Iran are clear,” Rubio concluded. “And we will achieve them within weeks, not months.”