Sanctions relief tied to Iran’s nuclear steps, Rubio says on Hormuz talks

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US isn’t offering upfront sanctions relief for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and that any relief would be conditional on Iran’s nuclear concessions. Officials describe the talks as two-phase: first Iran would reopen the strait and refrain from actions against shipping, then broader sanctions relief would be tied to discussions on the nuclear program, amid internal divisions in Tehran and slow progress. The Strait’s closure has pushed oil above $100 a barrel and shape sentiment around a potential deal.