US Warns of ‘Another Way’ If Iran Talks Fail, while Iranian Official Rejects Pressure Tactics

NEW DELHI /TEHRAN, May 25: Tensions between the United States and Iran continued to escalate on Monday as both sides signaled firm positions on ongoing negotiations, while Iranian hardliners highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz amid the broader conflict.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States would pursue a diplomatic solution with Iran but warned that Washington would explore “another way” if talks fail to produce an agreement. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Rubio said the US would give diplomacy every opportunity before considering alternatives, while noting that expectations of a near-term breakthrough remain low.

His remarks come after former US President Donald Trump said he had instructed his representatives not to rush into any agreement with Tehran.

Meanwhile, Iranian officials rejected what they described as pressure tactics from Washington. Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesman for Iran’s parliamentary national security committee, said Iran would not yield to threats during negotiations and argued that time was “no longer working in Washington’s favor.”

Separately, Hossein Shariatmadari, editor of the hardline Kayhan newspaper, said reopening the Strait of Hormuz would make Iran more vulnerable to attack. He described the waterway as a key strategic lever during recent tensions. He suggested that Iranian control over the strait could generate significant transit revenues while also influencing global oil prices.

The comments reflect deepening rhetoric on both sides as diplomatic efforts continue amid heightened regional instability.