Rubio: Saudi Arabia is a strategic partner.. and it is logical to sign a nuclear deal with it

23 July 2026 - 11:52 | Last updated 23 July 2026 - 11:52

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday described Saudi Arabia as an 'important strategic partner.'

Rubio said in a press conference that it is logical to sign a nuclear deal with it, explaining that Saudi Arabia's pursuit of nuclear weapons is for peaceful purposes.

He accused Iran of deceiving the Houthis to carry out attacks, saying: 'Iran deceived the Houthis and I hope they stop the attacks.'

He stressed that the American negotiators with Iran are acting on the orders of President Donald Trump, indicating that Trump is the one managing the talks with Iran.

Rubio threatened Iran with paying the price, saying: 'The price Iran will pay will rise every night until it comes to its senses,' explaining that President Trump's policy is based on the principle of 'an eye for an eye.' Rubio said: 'Iran is not ready to sign a deal and will pay the price,' accusing those he described as 'extremists' of controlling the Iranian decision.

He added: 'Despite Iran's bravado, it is suffering immensely,' indicating that Iranians agree on something then demand changes to the agreement's terms. He noted that the US President's administration prefers reaching an agreement and a diplomatic solution but Iran is not ready now, adding: 'It might be ready soon.'

The US Secretary of State confirmed that the Iranians violated the terms of the agreement after just a few days, adding: 'We complied with the agreement with Iran on our part, and they might change their mind within days.'

Regarding China, Rubio said: 'Chinese movements in Asian waters are concerning,' explaining that he had a good conversation with his Russian counterpart.

Rubio stressed the need to find new proposals for an acceptable agreement on the war in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, US officials told Axios that Qatari mediators are still holding talks with American and Iranian officials in an attempt to reach a new agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and stop the fighting. A regional source indicated that the Iranian leadership did not accept the latest proposal presented by the mediators.

Saudi nuclear deal with America Rubio Iran Trump Hormuz China Russia