The Trump administration is pursuing a potential agreement with Iran to end regional conflict, with negotiations underway in Qatar as U.S. military forces conduct strikes in the Persian Gulf.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that talks are progressing, stating, “There were some talks going on in Qatar today, so we’ll see if we can make progress.” President Trump emphasized his commitment to reaching terms, saying any agreement must be “a good and proper one.”
Military Action and Negotiations Parallel
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 place mines. Captain Tim Hawkins, a Central Command spokesperson, said the operations aimed to “protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.”
The strikes occurred near the Iranian port and naval base at Bandar Abbas while Iranian officials were gathered in Qatar for negotiations. Central Command maintained that forces “continue to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing cease-fire.”
Progress on Key Issues
Iran acknowledged Monday that Tehran and Washington have reached understandings on multiple subjects during negotiations. However, an Iranian official cautioned that “to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent-no one can make such a claim,” accusing the U.S. of shifting negotiating positions.
A senior U.S. official indicated that a final agreement would require Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the U.S. lifting its blockade of the waterway. The official stated that “most people agree on the basic ideas,” and the Trump administration expressed satisfaction with negotiation progress.
Future Scope of Agreement
The proposed deal is expected to extend beyond the 2015 nuclear agreement negotiated under the Obama administration, which Trump has criticized. An official noted that enforcement mechanisms matter more than the agreement’s duration, whether set for 20 or 30 years.
Iran appeared more receptive to negotiations following the recent military operation, according to U.S. sources. Work continues on finalizing remaining specifics of the accord.
This story has been updated. CNN’s international affairs team contributed to this report.
