U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reiterated American demands that the Strait of Hormuz must reopen, warning that the current closure is unlawful and unsustainable.
Speaking during a trip to India, Rubio stated, “The straits have to be open, they’re going to be open. What’s happening there is unlawful, it’s illegal, it’s unsustainable for the world, it’s unacceptable.”
He noted that talks were underway in Qatar today and expressed hope for progress, adding that negotiations involve detailed language in the initial document. “It’ll take a few days,” Rubio said. “The president expressed his desire to make it. He’s either going to make a good deal or no deal.”
The comments come one day after U.S. Central Command carried out what it described as “self-defense strikes” in southern Iran to protect American troops from threats by Iranian forces. Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to place mines, according to Capt. Tim Hawkins, a CENTCOM spokesperson.
“U.S. Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing cease-fire,” Hawkins said. He declined to specify which ships came under fire or the exact locations of the U.S. strikes, which occurred near the Iranian port and navy base at Bandar Abbas.
Dozens of American warplanes and nearly two dozen Navy warships — including two aircraft carriers — are currently enforcing a blockade against vessels trying to enter or leave Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. A senior U.S. military official said some of these forces faced threats from Iranian surface-to-air missiles.
The strikes took place as Iranian officials gathered in Qatar for negotiations aimed at ending the conflict. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, said Monday that Tehran and Washington have reached understandings on many issues, but warned that a final deal is not imminent.
“It is correct to say that we have reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion,” Baqaei said. “But to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent—no one can make such a claim.” He accused Washington of shifting positions.
A top Trump administration official said Sunday that Iran has agreed in principle to eliminate its highly enriched uranium stockpile as part of a broader deal. In exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. would lift its blockade. Additional sanctions relief could follow if Iran reduces nuclear enrichment activities.
The official noted that Iran appears more open to negotiations following recent military actions and that the administration is seeking strong, enforceable commitments beyond the 2015 Obama-era nuclear deal.
President Trump has said any agreement with Iran must be a “good and proper one,” sharply criticizing the previous administration’s approach.
