BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 4. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Washington's long-term objective in negotiations with Iran is the country's denuclearisation, while continuing efforts to improve maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Rubio reiterated the U.S. position that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and that commercial vessels continue to transit the strategic waterway.
He said the United States is engaged in discussions involving Iran and Oman to facilitate the safe passage of more ships in the short term.
"I think there is a conversation and a negotiation that we are involved in between Iran and Oman on how more ships can be able to go through there safely in the short term, as we move towards… longer-term talks about [Iran's] denuclearisation," Rubio said.
The secretary of state added that "the denuclearisation of Iran" remains Washington's "ultimate deal" in its negotiations with Tehran.
Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful civilian purposes and has rejected calls to abandon it.
