US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to journalists before boarding a plane to leave New Delhi on May 25, 2026. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/Pool via Reuters / Al Jazeera)

NEW DELHI — Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday the United States will pursue alternative measures if nuclear negotiations with Iran collapse, warning that time is running out on a diplomatic solution.

Speaking in New Delhi after meetings with Indian officials, Rubio confirmed that a "pretty solid deal" is on the table that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Iran has blocked the strait since March, and the U.S. has responded with a naval blockade of Iranian ports.

"We have a ceasefire in place since April 8, and that's holding. But a ceasefire is not a permanent agreement," Rubio said. "If these talks fail, the United States will find another way. We are not going to let Iran hold the world's energy supply hostage indefinitely."

The Strait of Hormuz remains closed to commercial shipping, disrupting global oil markets. A blockade of Iranian ports has cut off the country's exports. President Donald Trump reiterated Sunday that the "complete blockade remains in full effect until a signed agreement is on my desk."

Iranian officials say negotiations have made progress but that no deal is imminent. A senior Iranian diplomat in New Delhi told reporters that "substantial gaps remain" but declined to elaborate.

In a parallel diplomatic push, Pakistan's Prime Minister and Army Chief arrived in Beijing on Monday for talks with Chinese leaders. China's Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying Beijing "will work actively for peace and stability in the Middle East" and urged all parties to exercise restraint.

Rubio's blunt warning underscores the fragility of the current truce and the high stakes for the Trump administration, which has made reopening the strait a top priority. The U.S. has maintained a naval presence in the region, including carrier strike groups, since the blockade began.

"We prefer a diplomatic solution," Rubio said. "But we are prepared for every contingency."

— Jessica Ali, Global 1 News | Published May 25, 2026