The Trump administration is pursuing final details of a possible agreement with Iran to end ongoing conflict, with negotiations occurring in Qatar as military tensions persist in the region.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said talks were underway in Qatar to advance negotiations. “There were some talks going on in Qatar today, so we’ll see if we can make progress,” Rubio stated, adding that the president aims to reach either a strong agreement or no deal at all.
The U.S. military conducted defensive operations Monday in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and Iranian vessels attempting to lay mines, according to U.S. Central Command. Captain Tim Hawkins, a Central Command spokesperson, said the strikes were necessary “to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.”
Military Operations Continue During Talks
American naval forces, including two aircraft carriers and nearly two dozen warships, maintain a blockade in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. Some of these vessels faced threats from Iranian surface-to-air missiles, according to a senior U.S. official.
The strikes occurred near Iran’s Bandar Abbas naval base at the same time Iranian officials gathered in Qatar for negotiations. U.S. Central Command stated it continues defending forces while exercising restraint during the ongoing discussions.
Iranian Response and Negotiation Status
Iran acknowledged Monday that Tehran and Washington have reached understandings on numerous issues but cautioned against premature expectations. “But to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent-no one can make such a claim,” an Iranian official said, accusing Washington of shifting positions.
President Trump characterized his approach differently, stating any agreement would be a “good and proper one.” He criticized previous diplomatic efforts, saying the Obama administration gave Iran “massive amounts of CASH, and a clear and open path to a Nuclear Weapon.”
Key Deal Requirements
A final agreement would require Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the U.S. lifting its blockade, according to sources involved in negotiations. Sources indicated broad agreement on fundamental concepts, with the Trump administration expressing satisfaction with negotiation progress despite ongoing work on specifics.
Officials said enforcement mechanisms matter more than the duration of any agreement, whether 20 or 30 years. The Trump administration believes Iran appears more receptive to negotiations following recent military operations.
This story has been updated. CNN’s reporting staff contributed to this report.
