US and Iran Make Headway on Potential Deal to End Conflict, With Focus on Reopening Strait of Hormuz
WASHINGTON — Senior U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are pushing forward with intensive negotiations aimed at securing a comprehensive agreement to end the ongoing conflict with Iran, even as limited military clashes continue under a fragile ceasefire.
Trump, speaking during a visit to India, underscored the urgency of reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. “The straits have to be open, they’re going to be open,” he declared. “What’s happening there is unlawful, it’s illegal, it’s unsustainable for the world, it’s unacceptable.”
The comments come as diplomatic talks unfolded in Qatar on Monday. Rubio confirmed progress in the discussions, telling reporters, “There were some talks going on in Qatar today, so we’ll see if we can make progress.” He emphasized the president’s firm stance: the administration is committed to securing either “a good deal or no deal.”
A top administration official said Sunday that Iran has agreed in principle to eliminate its stockpiles of highly enriched uranium. In return, the U.S. would lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea, allowing the Strait of Hormuz to reopen fully to commercial traffic. Officials described the emerging framework as potentially more robust than the 2015 nuclear agreement negotiated under the Obama administration, with stronger verification and enforcement mechanisms at its core.
“The source said that most people agree on the basic ideas, and the Trump administration is pleased with how things are going, even though they are still working on finishing up the specifics,” according to a senior official familiar with the talks. The official noted that Iran appears more willing to compromise following recent U.S. military actions, adding that the government is seeking ironclad commitments against future uranium enrichment. “They say it doesn’t matter if the promise is for 20 or 30 years; what matters is how it will be enforced.”
Tensions remain high despite a ceasefire that took effect approximately six weeks ago. On Monday, U.S. Central Command carried out what it described as “self-defense strikes” in southern Iran near the port and naval base at Bandar Abbas. The targets included missile launch sites and Iranian vessels attempting to deploy mines, intended to safeguard American troops from ongoing threats.
“U.S. Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing cease-fire,” said Capt. Tim Hawkins, a CENTCOM spokesperson. Hawkins declined to specify which U.S. ships came under fire, their exact locations, or the precise coordinates of the American strikes.
The action followed reports that dozens of American warplanes and nearly two dozen Navy warships — including two aircraft carriers and their escort vessels — enforcing the blockade had been threatened by Iranian surface-to-air missiles, according to a senior U.S. military official.
Iranian officials acknowledged advancements in the Qatar negotiations but tempered expectations. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said at a weekly briefing that Tehran and Washington had reached understandings on “a large portion of the issues under discussion.” However, he cautioned, “to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent—no one can make such a claim,” while accusing the U.S. side of shifting positions during the talks.
The potential deal would mark a significant diplomatic achievement for the Trump administration. Trump has repeatedly criticized the Obama-era 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, claiming it provided Iran with “massive amounts of CASH, and a clear and open path to a Nuclear Weapon.” He has vowed that any new agreement must be “good and proper” for the United States and its allies.
The conflict’s economic ripple effects have been substantial. The blockade and Iranian threats to close the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted global energy markets, raising oil prices and raising concerns among major importers in Europe and Asia. Reopening the waterway is seen as essential for stabilizing energy supplies and supporting international commerce.
Administration officials expressed cautious optimism. While core elements appear close to resolution, technical details on verification protocols, sanctions relief timelines, and regional security guarantees remain under discussion. Vice President Vance and other senior figures have been closely involved in hammering out the final language.
Iranian forces and U.S. assets have clashed sporadically since the ceasefire began, highlighting the precarious nature of the pause in hostilities. U.S. officials maintain that American responses have been measured and defensive in nature.
As negotiations continue, analysts note that a successful deal could reshape Middle East dynamics, reduce the risk of broader escalation, and address long-standing concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and proxy activities. However, deep mutual distrust — rooted in decades of adversarial relations — means any agreement would require rigorous oversight.
Trump has made clear his preference for decisive outcomes. “He’s either going to make a good deal or no deal,” Rubio reiterated, capturing the administration’s pragmatic yet firm approach.
Work to bridge remaining gaps is ongoing, with both sides aware of the high stakes for regional stability and global energy security. Progress in Qatar suggests momentum, but officials on all sides caution that final details must still be resolved before any agreement can be announced.
