Rubio: Trump has ‘been clear he has other options’ if no good Iran deal reached

By AP 21 May 2026, 7:25 pm

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says that despite “good signs” in the talks with Iran, “other options” remain on the table.

Being careful not to sound overtly optimistic, Rubio tells reporters that while Pakistan and other regional allies are hard at work to bring a diplomatic resolution on Iran, with some officials traveling to Tehran today, Washington remains ready with alternative plans.

“The president’s preference is to do a good deal. That’s his preference. It’s always been his preference. If we can get a good deal done, that would be great,” he says. “But if we can’t get a good deal, the president’s been clear he has other options.”