U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Strait of Hormuz must stay open, describing current Iranian restrictions as unlawful, illegal, unsustainable, and unacceptable during a visit to India. “The straits have to be open, they’re going to be open,” he stated. “What’s happening there is unlawful, it’s illegal, it’s unsustainable for the world, it’s unacceptable.”
Rubio noted that negotiations were underway in Qatar, with discussions focused on specific language in an initial document. “There were some talks going on in Qatar today, so we’ll see if we can make progress,” he said. “I think it’s a lot of talking back and forth going on about specific language in the initial document, so it’ll take a few days.” He added that President Donald Trump wants a favorable outcome: “The president expressed his desire to make it. He’s either going to make a good deal or no deal.”
These diplomatic efforts coincide with ongoing military tensions. Dozens of American warplanes and nearly two dozen Navy warships, including two aircraft carriers and escort vessels, are enforcing a blockade on ships attempting 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 were threatened by Iranian surface-to-air missiles. U.S. strikes targeted areas near the Iranian port and navy base at Bandar Abbas. American and Iranian forces have also clashed in other ways since a cease-fire took effect roughly six weeks ago. The Monday strikes occurred as Iranian officials met in Qatar to discuss ending the conflict.
Iran reported progress on several issues but cautioned that a final agreement is not imminent. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said, “It is correct to say that we have reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion.” However, he added, “to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent—no one can make such a claim,” and accused Washington of shifting positions.
In a potential final deal, Iran would need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the United States lifting its blockade. The U.S. would also consider easing sanctions if Iran reduces its nuclear enrichment activities. Officials familiar with the talks say most parties agree on the basic framework, and the Trump administration views the progress positively. Iran appears more willing to negotiate now than before recent military operations, though details remain under discussion.
