US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has articulated a firm stance on Iran, stating that Washington will exhaust diplomatic avenues before considering alternative measures. He characterized the current framework for negotiations as solid, particularly highlighting plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and initiate time-limited discussions on Iran's nuclear program. This approach follows a two-phase strategy outlined by other senior US officials, where the first phase focuses on restoring free passage through the Strait to alleviate global energy market pressures, while the second phase aims to address Iran's nuclear ambitions with a structured timeline. Rubio's remarks suggest a genuine opportunity for diplomacy, yet he left open the possibility of alternative actions if negotiations do not yield results. The tone of his comments is cautiously positive, indicating a commitment to making diplomacy work, while also acknowledging that military options remain on the table, which could impact market perceptions of risk regarding Iran.