The Trump administration and Iranian officials are working toward a potential agreement to end the ongoing conflict, with negotiations intensifying in Qatar as military tensions persist in the Persian Gulf.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that talks are progressing but warned the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened as part of any agreement. “The straits have to be open, they’re going to be open,” Rubio told reporters during a trip to India, describing the current situation as “unlawful” and “unsustainable for the world.”
Iranian officials acknowledged progress on multiple issues during negotiations in Qatar. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran and Washington have reached conclusions on many subjects but cautioned that a final agreement is not imminent. “But to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent-no one can make such a claim,” he said, accusing the U.S. of shifting positions.
Military Operations Continue
U.S. Central Command conducted what it described as “self-defense strikes” against Iranian targets Monday in response to perceived threats to American forces. The strikes targeted missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to deploy mines in the Persian Gulf region.
Captain Tim Hawkins, a Central Command spokesperson, said the military continued “defending our forces while using restraint during the ongoing cease-fire.” Some American warplanes and Navy vessels, including two aircraft carriers, came under threat from Iranian surface-to-air missiles, according to a senior U.S. military official.
Key Agreement Terms
A top 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 nuclear enrichment.
Rubio indicated the negotiating process requires additional time to finalize specific language. “There’s a lot of talking back and forth going on about specific language in the initial document, so it’ll take a few days,” Rubio said, adding that President Trump is committed to reaching “a good deal or no deal.”
Administration officials expressed optimism about Iran’s willingness to negotiate compared to its stance before recent military operations. The focus remains on establishing enforceable commitments regarding nuclear enrichment limits, with officials indicating the final agreement could exceed the scope of the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated under the Obama administration.
This story has been updated. CNN’s International Affairs team contributed to this report.
