The United States will either secure a strong agreement with Iran or confront the country "another way," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday, following President Donald Trump's efforts to temper expectations of an imminent deal.

Rubio's remarks in New Delhi come as a ceasefire has been observed between the US and Iran since April 8, with mediators working towards a negotiated settlement to end the conflict that began on February 28. Despite the ceasefire, Iran has continued to block the Strait of Hormuz, while the US has maintained a blockade of Iranian ports.

"We thought we might have some news last night, maybe today. I wouldn’t read too much into it," Rubio told reporters, referring to the potential agreement. He added, "We have what I think is a pretty solid thing on the table in terms of their ability to open up the straits, get the straits open."

President Trump had previously stated on Truth Social that the US blockade would "remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed." He urged both sides to "take their time and get it right."

While Iran's government offered no immediate response, the Tasnim News Agency, which is linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, suggested that the US was still hindering parts of a potential deal. Rubio reiterated the US preference for a "good agreement" but acknowledged the need for alternative approaches if one cannot be reached.

A senior Trump administration official, speaking anonymously, outlined the current negotiation points. According to the official, Iran has "in principle" agreed to dispose of its highly enriched uranium and open the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the US lifting its naval blockade. The official also indicated that Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, had endorsed this broad framework.

Details regarding the "in principle" agreement and its implications remain unclear, with no immediate confirmation or elaboration from Iran. The US official specified that the reopening of the strait and the lifting of the blockade would precede negotiations on the specifics of nuclear measures, which are expected to take more time. The official pushed back against claims that Iran had rejected disposing of its enriched uranium, framing the issue as one of "how."

Charles Kupchan, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, was cited in the source material, though his specific comments regarding the ongoing negotiations were cut off. The broader context suggests a complex diplomatic effort with significant stakes for regional stability and global trade, particularly concerning the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping lane.