The Trump administration is finalizing negotiations with Iran over a potential agreement to end the war, even as U.S. military forces conduct strikes near Iranian positions.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said talks are progressing in Qatar, with both sides working through language in the initial agreement. “There were some talks going on in Qatar today, so we’ll see if we can make progress,” Rubio said during a trip to India, noting that discussions could take several more days.
Military Operations Continue
U.S. Central Command conducted what it described as “self-defense strikes” in southern Iran on Monday, targeting missile launch sites and Iranian vessels attempting to lay mines. The strikes occurred near the Iranian port and naval base at Bandar Abbas.
“U.S. Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing cease-fire,” said Capt. Tim Hawkins, a Central Command spokesperson. American warplanes and nearly two dozen Navy warships, including two aircraft carriers, have been enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.
Negotiations Show Progress
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran and Washington have reached understandings on many issues, but cautioned that a final agreement is not imminent. “It is correct to say that we have reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion,” Baqaei said, while accusing the U.S. of shifting positions.
A senior administration official said Sunday that Iran has agreed to eliminate highly enriched uranium as part of a potential deal. In exchange, the U.S. would lift its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and consider easing sanctions if Iran reduces its nuclear enrichment.
Key Points of Contention
Rubio reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened as part of any agreement. “The straits have to be open, they’re going to be open,” he said. “What’s happening there is unlawful, it’s illegal, it’s unsustainable for the world, it’s unacceptable.”
Administration officials indicated that enforcement mechanisms for any long-term enrichment restrictions remain a focus of discussions. The proposed agreement would represent a more stringent approach than the Obama administration’s 2015 nuclear deal, which permitted enrichment up to certain thresholds.
President Trump said any deal he reaches with Iran will be “good and proper,” criticizing the previous administration’s approach and accusing former President Barack Obama of providing Iran “massive amounts of CASH, and a clear and open path to a Nuclear Weapon.”
This story has been updated. CNN’s International Desk contributed to this report.
