The United States is awaiting an early response from Iran regarding a peace proposal, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing hope for a "serious offer". On 8/5, Rubio stated, "We should receive something today. We haven't received any information yet," referring to the anticipated Iranian reply.

Rubio further commented that Iran's system is "disjointed and ineffective," posing an obstacle to the negotiation process. The top US diplomat also voiced concerns about reports from a day prior, indicating Iran's intent to establish an agency to "control traffic in the Strait of Hormuz." He called this a "very serious problem, truly unacceptable."

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks at a press conference at the US embassy in Rome on 8/5. *Photo: AP*

Last week, Iran submitted a 14-point proposal to the US. However, this proposal did not address key American demands, including Iran halting its nuclear program and fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic shipping lane that previously transported about one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies before the conflict. Washington subsequently conveyed its response to Tehran and is now awaiting Iran's reply.

Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei indicated that Tehran would inform the mediating nation, Pakistan, of its position "after completing its review." Despite these diplomatic efforts, a firefight between the US and Iran occurred in the Strait of Hormuz on 7/5, further dimming prospects for peace between the two nations.

By Ngoc Anh (CNN, AP, AFP)