The Trump administration is working to finalize a framework agreement with Iran aimed at ending the regional conflict, with diplomatic negotiations advancing through Qatar while U.S. military forces conduct defensive operations in the Gulf.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration remains focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping corridor disrupted during the crisis. Rubio declared during a visit to India that the waterway “has to be open” and called its closure “unlawful, illegal, unsustainable for the world, and unacceptable.”
U.S. and Iranian representatives are engaged in discussions in Qatar, with negotiators working through the language of a preliminary agreement. Rubio confirmed that President Donald Trump’s position remains unchanged: the United States wants “a good deal or no deal,” while acknowledging that completing the final document could require additional time.
Military Operations Continue
U.S. Central Command announced that American forces carried out “self-defense strikes” in southern Iran targeting missile facilities and Iranian vessels allegedly involved in placing naval mines near key maritime routes. Capt. Tim Hawkins said the operation was designed to protect American personnel and assets while maintaining the broader cease-fire framework.
U.S. military officials said 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 occurred near the Iranian naval hub of Bandar Abbas.
Diplomatic Progress and Sticking Points
Despite the military escalation, negotiations continued in Qatar with both sides reporting measured progress. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran and Washington had reached areas of understanding on several issues but warned that a final agreement had not yet been achieved.
Baqaei accused the United States of shifting its positions during the negotiations. A senior U.S. administration official said negotiators have made progress on a proposed framework requiring Iran to eliminate its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and accept major limits on future uranium enrichment activities.
In return, the United States would reportedly end its naval blockade and begin a phased reduction of economic sanctions. Officials said major political issues have largely been resolved in principle, but technical details, verification procedures, and enforcement measures remain under discussion.
Path Forward
Washington’s priority is securing a long-term and verifiable agreement that prevents Iran from exceeding agreed nuclear limits, with strong enforcement mechanisms considered central to any deal. The administration believes recent military pressure has increased Iran’s willingness to negotiate.
President Trump said any future agreement with Iran would be “good and proper,” while continuing to criticize the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated during the Obama administration. Trump argued that the previous agreement provided Iran with economic relief without creating a permanent guarantee that Tehran would not pursue nuclear weapons capability.
If completed, the agreement would place stricter restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program than the 2015 accord, reflecting the Trump administration’s push for a broader and more enforceable settlement.
This story has been updated. CNN’s diplomatic and defense correspondents contributed to this report.
