Rubio Says US Expects Iran’s Response to Peace Proposal by End of Day as Hormuz Clashes Continue
Reflecto News | Breaking News | Iran-US Diplomacy
ROME — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Friday that Washington expects Iran to deliver its formal response to the latest U.S. peace proposal by the end of the day, even as sporadic clashes between Iranian forces and American naval vessels continued in the strategic Strait of Hormuz .
Speaking at a press briefing at the U.S. embassy in Rome, Rubio struck a tone of cautious uncertainty, acknowledging the fractured nature of Tehran’s leadership while expressing hope for a diplomatic breakthrough .
“We’ll see what happens, there will be a development in the next few hours. Iran is fragmented, but I really hope for a serious proposal from them.”
— Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Rubio emphasized that the United States and its allies will not accept a nuclear-armed Tehran under any circumstances. “No country in the world wants Iran to possess nuclear weapons,” he said, adding that Washington cannot allow the Islamic Republic to acquire nuclear arms regardless of the diplomatic outcome .
⏳ Iran ‘Still Reviewing’ Proposal, Dismisses Deadlines
Despite Washington’s expectations, Iranian officials on Friday made clear that they are not operating on the U.S. timeline. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei told reporters in Tehran that the American proposal remains “under review” and that Tehran will announce its decision only when it reaches a conclusion, dismissing any artificial deadlines set by Washington .
“The [US] proposal is still being reviewed, and once we reach a conclusion, we will announce it. We are doing our own job and pay no attention to such deadlines.”
— Esmaeil Baghaei, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman
The Iranian stance reflects deep divisions within the country’s leadership. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has dismissed reports of an impending arrangement as “misleading” and part of recurring “fake media narratives” originating in the United States .
🔥 Clashes Continue in the Strait of Hormuz
Even as diplomats awaited a response, military confrontations continued to unfold in one of the world’s most vital maritime chokepoints. Iran has formally accused the United States of violating the fragile April 8 ceasefire, alleging that U.S. forces targeted two Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and carried out airstrikes on civilian areas in southern Iran, including Bandar Khamir, Sirik, and Qeshm Island .
Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters claimed that its armed forces retaliated immediately, launching attacks on U.S. military vessels east of the Strait of Hormuz and south of Chabahar port, asserting that the strikes caused “significant damage” to American warships .
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said it carried out a “large-scale and precise combined operation” using ballistic missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles, and explosive drones targeting three U.S. destroyers in the northern Persian Gulf .
🇺🇸 U.S. Denies Damage, Defends ‘Self-Defense’ Actions
President Donald Trump, in a Truth Social post, confirmed that three U.S. destroyers — the USS Truxtun, USS Rafael Peralta, and USS Mason — transited the Strait of Hormuz “very successfully” while “under fire.” He insisted there was “no damage done to the three destroyers” but that “great damage” was inflicted on Iranian attackers .
The U.S. military said its forces intercepted “unprovoked Iranian attacks” and responded with “self-defense strikes” against Iranian military infrastructure, including missile and drone launch sites . U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said it “does not seek escalation but remains positioned and ready to protect American forces” .
Trump described the exchange of fire as “just a love tap” in a television interview, while still urging Tehran to quickly reach an agreement to permanently end the conflict .
🛑 Iran’s ‘Crushing Response’ Warning
The Iranian military has warned that any further U.S. aggression will be met with an overwhelming response. The Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters said Iran would give a “crushing response to any aggression without any hesitation” .
The escalating accusations and counter-accusations have raised fears of renewed, uncontrolled escalation in the strategic waterway, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply normally passes. Regional tensions remain extremely high as both sides exchange blame for ceasefire violations .
📋 Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| U.S. Expectation | Rubio expects Iran’s formal response to peace proposal by end of day Friday |
| Iran’s Position | Proposal “still under review”; Tehran “pays no attention” to U.S. deadlines |
| Ceasefire Status | Iran accuses U.S. of violating April 8 ceasefire with attacks on vessels and civilian areas |
| Clash Location | Strait of Hormuz and southern Iran (Bandar Khamir, Sirik, Qeshm Island) |
| Iran’s Military Claim | IRGC says it launched missiles/drones at U.S. destroyers, claims “significant damage” |
| U.S. Denial | Trump says no damage to U.S. ships; “great damage” inflicted on Iran |
| U.S. Rationale | “Self-defense” after “unprovoked Iranian attacks” on U.S. warships |
| Iran’s Warning | “Crushing response” to any further U.S. aggression |
| Rubio’s Warning | No country can control international sea routes; Iran seeks Hormuz influence |
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