Rubio: US hosts Iran's response to ceasefire proposal

The statement comes at a moment when Tehran has charged the US with violating the fragile ceasefire declared last month, while clashes in and around Hormuz Strait have escalated significantly in recent days.

According to reports, Pakistani mediators have handed Iran a brief memorandum from the US, which could serve as the basis for a more stable ceasefire and for the resumption of diplomatic negotiations.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Donald Trump said he expects an answer from Iran “soon”. “

On the other hand, Rubio, during a visit to Rome, expressed optimism about the possibility of launching serious negotiations.

We expect an answer from them today. I hope it's a serious offer. The hope is to get us into a real negotiation process”, he said.

Meanwhile, the US and Iran continue to test each other's stability and will through harsh rhetoric, diplomatic pressure and sporadical military incidents in an effort to gain advantage in any possible agreement.