President Donald Trump’s administration is working to finalize a potential agreement with Iran aimed at ending their conflict, with negotiations taking place in Qatar as U.S. military forces conduct operations in the region.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed ongoing discussions while visiting India, emphasizing that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to international shipping. Rubio stated that “the president wants a deal if it is the right deal,” noting that Trump is prepared to either secure a strong agreement or walk away from negotiations entirely.
Military Operations Amid Negotiations
U.S. Central Command conducted what it described as “self-defense strikes” in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and vessels allegedly attempting to deploy naval mines. Captain Tim Hawkins, a Central Command spokesperson, said the strikes were designed to protect American personnel while maintaining restraint during the cease-fire.
U.S. military officials reported that American aircraft and naval vessels operating near the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea had been threatened by Iranian surface-to-air missile systems. The military action occurred near Bandar Abbas, a major Iranian port and naval base.
Iran’s Position on Negotiations
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei acknowledged that Tehran and Washington had reached understandings on multiple issues but cautioned that a final agreement remained distant. “It is correct to say that progress has been made on many topics,” Baqaei said. “However, no one can claim that a final agreement is imminent.”
According to a senior administration official, Iran has indicated willingness to eliminate its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Discussions are also reportedly focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting the U.S. blockade.
Administration’s Outlook
Trump stated that any deal reached with Iran would be a “good and proper” one while criticizing the 2015 nuclear agreement negotiated under President Barack Obama. Administration officials believe Iran is showing greater flexibility than before recent military operations and are seeking enforceable long-term restrictions on uranium enrichment.
This story has been updated. CNN’s team contributed to this report.
