U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is ready to pursue diplomacy with Iran as nuclear talks resume in Geneva, using a visit to Budapest on Monday (16 January) to reaffirm both U.S. negotiating aims and strong ties with Hungary ahead of its April election.
Speaking alongside Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Rubio said Washington remains committed to securing a deal that curbs Iran’s nuclear programme, while also addressing Tehran’s ballistic missile activities and regional influence.
“The United States is prepared to negotiate, but we will not ignore Iran’s destabilising actions in the region,” Rubio said.
He stressed that under President Donald Trump, diplomacy is preferred over military options, while warning that a successful outcome will require Iran to meet U.S. demands on both nuclear enrichment and sanctions.
The resumption of talks follows a first round of indirect negotiations in Oman earlier this month.
Rubio’s visit also underscored longstanding U.S.–Hungary ties. He described bilateral relations as entering a “golden era” and praised Orbán’s leadership, saying: “President Trump is deeply committed to your success, because your success is our success.”
The endorsement highlights the strategic importance Washington places on Hungary as a regional partner in Central Europe, particularly as Orbán prepares for a parliamentary election on 12 April.
The Hungarian prime minister, a long-time ally of Trump, has frequently clashed with the European Union while maintaining cordial ties with Russia. His domestic policies, including strict immigration controls and support for Christian conservatism, have drawn admiration from elements of the American hard right.
Analysts say the April vote will have significant implications for Europe’s conservative and far-right movements, as well as U.S. engagement in the region.
Rubio is concluding a two-day Central European tour that included Slovakia, aiming to strengthen security and diplomatic links ahead of the Geneva nuclear negotiations.
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U.S. President Donald Trump says Washington is not seeking an extension of its memorandum of understanding with Iran, claiming the U.S. already controls the Strait of Hormuz through its naval blockade.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade and sanctions and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.
Ukraine has targeted at least 20 Wildberries warehouses across Russia since 18 July, disrupting a major logistics network. Kyiv says the strikes aim to disrupt alleged military-linked supplies, while the attacks have caused billions of dollars in losses and wider economic pressure.
South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Monday it was reviewing U.S. President Donald Trump's comments on scaling back joint military drills. It added that it hoped a favourable relationship between Washington and Pyongyang could lead to meaningful talks.
Azerbaijan exported goods worth $17.372 million to Armenia between January and July 2026, according to data from the State Customs Committee, as commercial ties between the two South Caucasus neighbours showed signs of expansion.
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With governments focused on conflicts in the Gulf and Ukraine, China is pressing ahead with a more assertive military and strategic posture across the Pacific, particularly around its immediate neighbourhood.
Britain will continue to support Ukraine “100 per cent” against Russia’s invasion, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Tuesday, after Moscow warned London of consequences over reports that British-made drones had been used in strikes on Russian territory.
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