Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday that Washington anticipates a response from Iran on the proposed U.S. peace deal by the end of the day.
Speaking to reporters in Italy, Mr. Rubio was scant on details but said the public should know something more about Iran’s response by the end of the day.
“We should know something today,” Mr. Rubio said. “I hope it’s a serious offer. I really do.”
Iranian officials said Thursday they were still considering the U.S. proposal, which was relayed through Pakistani mediators earlier this week. The terms of the deal have not been made public.
President Trump has threatened to restart a massive bombing campaign on Iran if it does not agree to the deal, which could provide a framework for comprehensive negotiations to begin.
His comments come after U.S. and Iranian forces traded fire Thursday in a serious threat to the already fragile ceasefire between the two nations. The United Arab Emirates also said it was intercepting Iranian drone and missile attacks on Friday.
SEE ALSO: Iran considers U.S. peace proposal; Pakistani mediators ‘optimistic’
Iran said it launched attacks on U.S. vessels traveling in the Strait of Hormuz after Central Command forces allegedly attacked an Iranian oil tanker earlier this week.
CENTCOM said its forces shot down several Iranian missiles, drones and small boats that attacked U.S. warships. The U.S. also struck at Iranian military facilities in retaliation.
• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.
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