US Secretary of State "Expects Iran's Response on the 8th...Hopes for a Serious Proposal"

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits the Italian Prime Minister's Office

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on the 8th (local time) that he expects to receive a response from Iran.

According to Reuters and other sources, Secretary Rubio met with reporters after a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni today and stated, "We hope Iran will put forward a serious proposal within hours."

Previously, on the 6th, US media reported that the United States and Iran were close to signing a one-page memorandum of understanding (MOU) containing a ceasefire agreement, and it was reported that the White House was awaiting a response from Iran within 48 hours. Iran stated that it is reviewing the US proposal.

Regarding the deployment of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) troops, Secretary Rubio said, "Specific issues related to US forces stationed in Italy were not discussed at today's meeting," adding, "The issue of NATO troop deployment is ultimately a matter for President Donald Trump to decide."

On the 30th of last month, when asked whether he would consider reducing US troops in Spain and Italy, similar to Germany, President Trump replied, "Perhaps." As of the end of last year, approximately 12,600 US troops were stationed in Italy, making it the second-largest US military presence in Europe after Germany.

When asked about the atmosphere of his audience with Pope Leo XIV the previous day, Secretary Rubio commented, "The Church is an important global institution," and evaluated it as "very positive."

Regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, he said, "We are ready to play a mediating role," but added, "We don't want to waste time if efforts do not progress."

The US-mediated ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have been suspended due to the Middle East situation.

Secretary Rubio stated that the 'Taiwan issue' is highly likely to be discussed during President Trump's visit to China next week, adding, "Stability is needed throughout the Taiwan Strait."