The Trump administration and Iranian officials are finalizing details of a potential agreement to end the conflict, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio warning that the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened as part of any deal.
Negotiations taking place in Qatar have produced progress on multiple fronts, though senior officials from both sides cautioned that a final agreement remains days away. The discussions come as American and Iranian military forces continue to operate in close proximity in the Persian Gulf region.
What The Negotiations Include
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated that “we have reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion,” but added that “to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent-no one can make such a claim.”
According to U.S. administration officials, Iran has agreed in principle to eliminate highly enriched uranium stockpiles. In exchange, the United States would lift its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and ease sanctions on Iranian economic activity.
“The straits have to be open, they’re going to be open,” Rubio said during a diplomatic trip to India. “What’s happening there is unlawful, it’s illegal, it’s unsustainable for the world, it’s unacceptable.”
Remaining Sticking Points
Negotiators are still hammering out specific language in foundational documents, with administration officials focused on enforcement mechanisms for any nuclear enrichment restrictions. The duration of commitments-whether spanning 20 or 30 years-remains secondary to how violations would be detected and addressed.
“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. “The president expressed his desire to make it. He’s either going to make a good deal or no deal.”
Military Context
U.S. Central Command conducted defensive strikes against Iranian military targets on Monday, targeting missile launch sites and vessels attempting to place mines near American naval assets. The operations occurred while Iranian officials were actively engaged in negotiations.
Captain Tim Hawkins, a Central Command spokesperson, stated that “U.S. Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing cease-fire.” American naval forces, including two aircraft carriers and approximately two dozen warships, maintain a presence in the region enforcing maritime restrictions.
Administration Optimism
U.S. officials indicated that Iran has demonstrated increased openness to reaching an agreement following recent military operations. The Trump administration believes this accord would surpass the 2015 nuclear agreement negotiated under President Obama’s administration by imposing stricter enrichment limitations.
President Trump stated that any agreement would be “a good and proper one,” contrasting his approach with previous diplomatic efforts.
This story has been updated. CNN’s diplomatic and defense correspondents contributed to this report.
