The Trump administration is working toward a potential agreement with Iran to end the ongoing conflict, even as U.S. military forces conduct defensive operations in the region.
President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are among senior officials involved in finalizing the terms of a possible accord. Iranian officials gathered in Qatar on Monday for negotiations, with both sides indicating they have reached understandings on multiple issues, though a final deal remains distant.
Military Operations Continue
U.S. Central Command conducted what it described as “self-defense strikes” in southern Iran on Monday to protect American forces from Iranian threats. The strikes targeted missile launch sites and Iranian vessels attempting to place mines in the region, according to Captain Tim Hawkins, a Central Command spokesperson.
“U.S. Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing cease-fire,” Hawkins said. The operations occurred near the Iranian port and navy base at Bandar Abbas.
Negotiations and Key Terms
Trump has stated that any agreement reached would be a “good and proper” deal, distancing his approach from the Obama administration’s 2015 nuclear agreement. “He’s either going to make a good deal or no deal,” Rubio said.
A central component of negotiations involves the Strait of Hormuz, a critical international waterway. “The straits have to be open, they’re going to be open,” Trump said during a visit to India, calling current restrictions “unlawful” and “unsustainable for the world.”
Under the proposed framework, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the United States lifting its blockade of vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports. Senior officials indicated that Iran appears more receptive to negotiations following recent military operations.
What Comes Next
While there is agreement on fundamental concepts, work continues on specifics. Officials said the Trump administration is encouraged by the negotiating process, though implementation details and enforcement mechanisms remain under discussion.
Iran cautioned that progress in talks does not signal an imminent agreement. “But to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent-no one can make such a claim,” an Iranian official stated, noting concerns about shifting positions from Washington.
This story has been updated. CNN’s reporting team contributed to this report.
