The United States and Iran are engaged in negotiations in Qatar over a potential nuclear agreement, even as American forces conduct military strikes in the Persian Gulf region.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration is focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping lane disrupted during the ongoing tensions. Rubio stated the waterway “has to be open” and described its closure as “unlawful, illegal, unsustainable for the world, and unacceptable.”
Rubio confirmed that U.S. and Iranian representatives are discussing a preliminary agreement framework in Doha. He said President Donald Trump’s position remains consistent: the administration seeks “a good deal or no deal,” though he acknowledged finalizing the document could take additional time.
Military Operations Continue
U.S. Central Command announced American forces conducted “self-defense strikes” targeting missile facilities and Iranian naval vessels near critical maritime routes. Capt. Tim Hawkins said the operation aimed to protect American personnel and assets while preserving the broader cease-fire arrangement.
U.S. military officials said aircraft and naval forces operating in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea faced threats from Iranian surface-to-air missile systems. The strikes occurred near Bandar Abbas, a major Iranian naval hub.
Diplomatic Progress and Remaining Gaps
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran and Washington have reached areas of understanding but cautioned that a final agreement has not been finalized. He accused the United States of shifting positions during negotiations.
According to a senior U.S. administration official, negotiators have made progress on a framework requiring Iran to eliminate highly enriched uranium stockpiles, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and accept strict limits on future enrichment activities. The United States would reportedly end its naval blockade and begin phased sanctions reductions in return.
Officials said major political issues have been largely resolved in principle, though technical details, verification procedures, and enforcement mechanisms remain under discussion. Washington is prioritizing a long-term, verifiable agreement with strong enforcement measures.
What Comes Next
Trump said any future agreement would be “good and proper” while criticizing the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated during the Obama administration. He argued the previous accord gave Iran economic relief without guaranteeing it would not pursue nuclear weapons capability.
The Trump administration believes recent military pressure has increased Iran’s willingness to negotiate. If completed, the agreement would reportedly impose stricter restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program than the 2015 accord.
This story has been updated. CNN’s International Desk contributed to this report.
