Washington, April 28 -- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has observed that the latest diplomatic submission from Tehran "is better than what we thought they were going to submit," though he maintained that any prospective agreement must resolutely prevent the Islamic Republic from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

According to a report by CNN, the newly proposed framework suggests a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz while delaying substantive deliberations on the nuclear issue. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that this phased approach is currently under review by American officials.

During a conversation with Fox News on Monday, the top US diplomat refrained from predicting whether this specific overture would find favour with Pre...