Pakistan, May 8 -- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington expects Iran to respond today to its proposals in ongoing diplomatic talks. He said progress in negotiations depends on Tehran's prompt reply. Rubio stressed that the United States wants to move forward with serious discussions on the nuclear issue.

Rubio said Iran has not yet formally responded to the US proposals. However, he expressed hope that a reply would arrive within the day. He reiterated that the US position remains firm against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. According to him, global powers share the goal of preventing nuclear escalation in the region.

Read more: US-backed Iran resolution faces likely China and Russia vetoes

He also claimed that US naval fo...