President Donald Trump and senior members of his administration are continuing negotiations aimed at reaching an agreement that could formally end the conflict with Iran, according to administration officials familiar with the discussions.
Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other top officials have reportedly been working with the president to finalize key elements of a potential agreement.
Speaking during a visit to India, Rubio emphasized that the United States remains firm on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, calling its closure “unlawful” and unacceptable for the global economy.
“The straits have to be open, they’re going to be open,” Rubio said. He also confirmed that negotiators met in Qatar and expressed cautious optimism that progress was being made, while acknowledging that discussions over the precise wording of an initial agreement could still take several days.
Rubio added that President Trump is determined to secure what he described as a “good deal,” saying the administration would rather reach a strong agreement than accept one that fails to meet U.S. objectives.
Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command announced that American forces carried out what it described as “self-defense strikes” in southern Iran on Monday. Military officials said the operation targeted missile launch sites and Iranian boats allegedly attempting to deploy naval mines after U.S. forces faced potential threats.
According to military officials, some American aircraft and naval vessels operating near the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea were threatened by Iranian air-defense systems. The strikes reportedly occurred near Iran’s naval facilities at Bandar Abbas.
Despite these incidents, diplomatic negotiations continued in Qatar, where Iranian and American representatives have been discussing a possible framework for ending the conflict.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei acknowledged that negotiators have reached understandings on many issues but cautioned that a final agreement has not yet been completed.
“It is correct to say that we have reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion,” Baqaei said. However, he stressed that no one could claim a finalized agreement was imminent, while accusing Washington of changing some of its negotiating positions.
President Trump has maintained that any agreement must be significantly stronger than the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated during the Obama administration. He has repeatedly criticized that agreement, arguing it failed to permanently prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear program.
According to a senior administration official, negotiators have made substantial progress, including reported Iranian willingness to eliminate its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. However, officials cautioned that technical details and enforcement mechanisms are still being finalized.
One proposal under discussion would reportedly require Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States would lift its naval blockade if Iran complies with agreed conditions.
The framework also reportedly includes restrictions on Iran’s uranium enrichment program in exchange for sanctions relief. Administration officials said the focus is on creating long-term verification measures that would ensure Iran cannot resume high-level enrichment regardless of whether the agreement lasts 20 or 30 years.
Officials involved in the talks said they believe Iran has shown greater flexibility following recent military operations and that negotiations are progressing constructively. They also indicated that the administration hopes to secure an agreement that goes beyond the limits established under the 2015 nuclear accord by imposing stricter and more durable restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities.
