U.S. and Iran Edge Closer to Framework Deal as Tensions Simmer in Gulf
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump and senior administration officials are finalizing details of a potential agreement to end the ongoing conflict with Iran, even as fresh U.S. military strikes highlight the fragile nature of the current cease-fire.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated strong U.S. demands that the Strait of Hormuz be reopened, telling reporters during a trip to India that the waterway “has to be open” and describing Iran’s closure as “unlawful, illegal, unsustainable for the world, and unacceptable.”
“There were some talks going on in Qatar today, so we’ll see if we can make progress,” Rubio said. He noted that negotiators are haggling over specific language in the initial document, predicting it could take a few more days. “The president expressed his desire to make it,” Rubio added. “He’s either going to make a good deal or no deal.”
The comments came as U.S. Central Command conducted “self-defense strikes” in southern Iran on Monday, targeting missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to deploy mines. The action was intended to protect American troops and vessels from threats posed by Iranian forces, according to Capt. Tim Hawkins, a CENTCOM spokesperson.
The strikes occurred near the key Iranian port and naval base at Bandar Abbas. Dozens of American warplanes and nearly two dozen Navy warships, including two aircraft carriers, have been enforcing a blockade around Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. Some U.S. assets faced threats from Iranian surface-to-air missiles.
American and Iranian forces have clashed sporadically since a cease-fire took effect roughly six weeks ago. The latest U.S. action happened even as Iranian officials gathered in Qatar for negotiations aimed at ending the broader conflict.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei acknowledged Monday that Tehran and Washington have reached understandings on “a large portion of the issues,” but cautioned against expectations of an imminent final agreement. “No one can make such a claim,” he said, while accusing Washington of shifting positions during talks.
A senior Trump administration official said Iran has agreed in principle to eliminate its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. In exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz — a critical chokepoint for roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments — the U.S. would lift its naval blockade. Additional sanctions relief could follow if Iran agrees to significant limits on nuclear enrichment.
President Trump has emphasized that any deal must be stronger than the 2015 Obama-era nuclear agreement. “If we make a deal, it will be a good and proper one,” Trump said, criticizing the previous administration for providing Iran with “massive amounts of CASH, and a clear and open path to a Nuclear Weapon.”
The administration believes Iran is more willing to compromise following recent U.S. military pressure. However, officials stress that robust verification and enforcement mechanisms are essential. “It doesn’t matter if the promise is for 20 or 30 years,” one source said. “What matters is how it will be enforced.”
While momentum appears to be building toward an initial framework agreement, both sides acknowledge that significant work remains on specifics. Regional observers caution that hardliners in Tehran and skepticism from allies like Israel could still complicate final approval.
