The Trump administration is working to finalize a potential agreement with Iran to end the regional conflict, with diplomatic negotiations advancing through channels in Qatar as military operations continue.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. remains focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route disrupted during the crisis. Rubio confirmed that American and Iranian representatives were engaged in discussions in Qatar, with negotiators working through preliminary agreement language.
What’s Being Negotiated
Speaking during a visit to India, Rubio declared that the waterway “has to be open” and called its closure “unlawful, illegal, unsustainable for the world, and unacceptable.” President Donald Trump maintained that the United States wants “a good deal or no deal,” while acknowledging that completing the final document could require additional time.
According to a senior U.S. administration official, negotiators have made progress on a proposed framework requiring Iran to eliminate its highly enriched uranium stockpile, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and accept major limits on future uranium enrichment activities. In return, the United States would reportedly end its naval blockade and begin a phased reduction of economic sanctions.
Officials said major political issues have largely been resolved in principle, but technical details, verification procedures, and enforcement measures remain under discussion. Washington’s priority is securing a long-term and verifiable agreement with strong enforcement mechanisms considered central to any deal.
Military Operations Continue Alongside Diplomacy
While diplomacy moved forward, U.S. Central Command announced that American forces carried out “self-defense strikes” in southern Iran. Capt. Tim Hawkins said the operation targeted missile facilities and Iranian vessels allegedly involved in efforts to place naval mines near key maritime routes.
U.S. military officials said the strikes were designed to protect American personnel and assets while maintaining the broader cease-fire framework. A senior defense official said U.S. aircraft and naval forces operating near the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea had faced threats from Iranian surface-to-air missile systems, with strikes occurring near the Iranian naval hub of Bandar Abbas.
Iran’s Position
Despite the military escalation, negotiations continued in Qatar. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran and Washington had reached areas of understanding on several issues but warned that a final agreement had not yet been achieved.
Baqaei also accused the United States of shifting its positions during negotiations. The administration believes recent military pressure has increased Iran’s willingness to negotiate.
Differences From Previous Accord
President Trump said any future agreement with Iran would be “good and proper,” while continuing to criticize the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated during the Obama administration. Trump argued that the previous agreement provided Iran with economic relief without creating permanent guarantees that Tehran would not pursue nuclear weapons capability.
If completed, the agreement would reportedly place stricter restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program than the 2015 accord, reflecting the Trump administration’s push for a broader and more enforceable settlement.
This story has been updated. CNN’s National Security desk contributed to this report.
