U.S. and Iranian officials are working through the final language of a possible agreement to end the war, even as Washington warns that the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened and American forces continue to enforce a blockade in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said talks in Qatar were still focused on specific wording in an initial document and would likely take several more days. “There were some talks going on in Qatar today, so we’ll see if we can make progress,” he said during a trip to India. “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.” Rubio added that President Donald Trump “expressed his desire to make it. He’s either going to make a good deal or no deal.”
Rubio also restated the administration’s position on the strait when asked about U.S. strikes on Iran. “The straits have to be open, they’re going to be open,” he said. “What’s happening there is unlawful, it’s illegal, it’s unsustainable for the world, it’s unacceptable.” Vice President JD Vance and other senior officials have been involved in settling the remaining terms.
Under the outline described by U.S. officials, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the United States lifting its blockade of the waterway. If Tehran agreed to reduce nuclear enrichment, Washington would also be prepared to ease sanctions. A source familiar with the talks said most participants accept the basic ideas and that the administration is encouraged by the direction of the discussions, even as the details remain unfinished. The official said Iran appears more willing to deal now than it did before the military operation.
Iran offered a more cautious reading. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Monday that the two sides had reached understandings on a large share of the issues under discussion, but that a signed agreement was not close. “It is correct to say that we have reached a conclusion on a large portion of the issues under discussion,” he said at a weekly briefing. “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 its positions.
The diplomacy is unfolding alongside continued military pressure. Dozens of American warplanes and nearly two dozen Navy warships, including two aircraft carriers and their escorts, are enforcing a blockade against vessels trying to enter or leave Iranian ports in or around the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. A senior U.S. military official said some of those forces were threatened by Iranian surface-to-air missiles. American and Iranian forces have also clashed in other ways since a cease-fire took effect about six weeks ago. Monday’s strikes came as Iranian officials were gathered in Qatar for the negotiations.
