The Trump administration is racing to finalize a potential agreement with Iran to end military conflict, even as American forces conduct defensive strikes in the region.
Top U.S. officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance have been engaged in intensive negotiations with Iranian representatives in Qatar. The talks come amid ongoing military tensions between the two nations, despite a ceasefire that took effect roughly six weeks ago.
Negotiations Underway in Qatar
“There were some talks going on in Qatar today, so we’ll see if we can make progress,” Rubio said. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei acknowledged progress on multiple issues, stating “it is correct to say that we have reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion.”
However, Baqaei cautioned that a final agreement remains distant. “To say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent-no one can make such a claim,” he said, noting that Washington has shifted positions during talks.
Military Strikes During Negotiations
U.S. Central Command conducted defensive strikes against Iranian targets in southern Iran on Monday, targeting missile launch sites and boats attempting to place mines. “U.S. Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing cease-fire,” said Captain Tim Hawkins, a Central Command spokesperson.
The strikes occurred near the Iranian port and navy base at Bandar Abbas as some American warplanes and nearly two dozen Navy warships, including two aircraft carriers, faced threats from Iranian surface-to-air missiles. President Trump said during a trip to India that regional straits “have to be open” and that conditions in the area are “unlawful” and “unsustainable for the world.”
Key Deal Parameters
According to administration officials, Iran has agreed to eliminate highly enriched uranium as part of any final agreement. The deal would require Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the U.S. lifting its blockade of the waterway.
U.S. officials indicated that Iran appears more receptive to negotiations following recent military operations. “The source said that most people agree on the basic ideas, and the Trump administration is pleased with how things are going,” according to reporting on internal discussions.
A senior administration official said enforcement mechanisms remain a central focus of negotiations, with officials stating that the timeframe for any nuclear enrichment restrictions-whether 20 or 30 years-matters less than how compliance will be verified. The potential agreement is expected to be more comprehensive than the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated under the Obama administration.
Trump criticized the previous agreement, stating that the Obama administration gave Iran “massive amounts of CASH, and a clear and open path to a Nuclear Weapon.” The president said any deal his administration reaches will be “a good and proper one.”
This story has been updated. CNN’s international and defense teams contributed to this report.
