The Trump administration is finalizing details of a potential agreement to end the war in Iran, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicating talks are progressing in Qatar.
President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and administration officials have been working to resolve the conflict. Rubio stated, “There were some talks going on in Qatar today, so we’ll see if we can make progress,” adding that Trump is prepared to pursue either a strong agreement or walk away from negotiations.
Military Operations Continue
U.S. Central Command conducted defensive strikes in southern Iran on Monday against what it described as threats to American forces. Captain Tim Hawkins, a Central Command spokesperson, said the operations targeted missile launch sites and Iranian vessels attempting to lay mines in the region.
The strikes occurred as American military assets, including two aircraft carriers and nearly two dozen Navy warships, maintained a blockade against Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. Hawkins stated, “Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing cease-fire.”
Negotiations Progress Amid Tensions
Iranian officials acknowledged making progress on multiple subjects during Qatar negotiations but cautioned that a final agreement remains distant. An Iranian representative said, “But to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent-no one can make such a claim,” while accusing Washington of changing its negotiating positions.
Trump criticized previous Iran policy, stating that a deal he reaches will be a “good and proper one” and accusing the Obama administration of providing Iran “massive amounts of CASH, and a clear and open path to a Nuclear Weapon.”
Key Deal Components
Any final agreement would require Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the U.S. lifting its blockade. Sources indicate the Trump administration views Iran as more receptive to negotiations following the military operations.
U.S. officials believe most parties agree on fundamental terms, though specific enforcement mechanisms remain under discussion. The potential deal is expected to exceed the scope of the 2015 nuclear agreement negotiated during the Obama administration.
This story has been updated. CNN’s diplomatic correspondents contributed to this report.
