The Trump administration is working to finalize a diplomatic agreement with Iran through negotiations in Qatar as military operations continue in the Persian Gulf region.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that U.S. and Iranian representatives are engaged in active discussions, with negotiators working through preliminary agreement language. Rubio said the administration remains focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, calling the waterway closure “unlawful, illegal, unsustainable for the world, and unacceptable.”
Military Operations Continue Amid Diplomacy
U.S. Central Command announced that American forces carried out “self-defense strikes” targeting missile facilities and Iranian vessels in southern Iran near Bandar Abbas. Capt. Tim Hawkins said the operation was designed to protect American personnel and assets while maintaining a broader cease-fire framework.
U.S. military officials stated that aircraft and naval forces operating near the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea had faced threats from Iranian surface-to-air missile systems. The strikes were intended to prevent Iran from placing naval mines near key maritime routes.
Progress on Framework Terms
According to senior U.S. officials, negotiators have made progress on a proposed framework requiring Iran to eliminate its highly enriched uranium stockpile and accept major restrictions on uranium enrichment. The United States would reportedly end its naval blockade and begin phased sanctions reduction in exchange.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran and Washington reached areas of understanding on several issues but warned that a final agreement had not been achieved. He accused the United States of shifting its negotiating positions.
Outstanding Issues
Officials said major political issues have been largely resolved in principle, but technical details, verification procedures, and enforcement measures remain under discussion. Washington is prioritizing a long-term, verifiable agreement with strong enforcement mechanisms.
President Trump said any future agreement would be “good and proper” while continuing to criticize the 2015 nuclear deal, arguing it provided Iran economic relief without permanent guarantees against nuclear weapons pursuit. The administration believes recent military pressure has increased Iran’s willingness to negotiate toward a stricter agreement than the 2015 accord.
This story has been updated. CNN’s International Desk contributed to this report.
