US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that a possible deal aimed at easing tensions with Iran could take several days to finalise, even as new military strikes by US forces raise pressure on an already fragile ceasefire.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to India, Rubio said discussions are continuing with Iranian and regional officials. He noted that talks held in Qatar are focused on drafting early language for a potential agreement and that negotiations are still ongoing.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Marco Rubio said the process is complex and will require more time. He added that “it’ll take a few days” as both sides continue to exchange proposals.
Rubio also said that President Donald Trump remains focused on reaching an agreement, but stressed that any outcome will depend on whether a strong deal can be reached. He said it would either be a “good deal or no deal.”
A key issue in the negotiations is the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route for oil. Rubio said the waterway must remain open under all circumstances, calling any disruption “unlawful” and “unsustainable for the world.”
His comments came shortly after US military action in southern Iran. According to the US Central Command US Central Command, American forces carried out what it described as self-defence strikes.
The US military said the strikes targeted missile launch sites and boats allegedly preparing to place naval mines. Officials said the operation was intended to protect US troops from potential threats linked to Iranian forces.
The strikes reportedly took place near southern Iran, close to the strategic port city of Bandar Abbas. Iranian state media said residents heard multiple explosions in the area around midnight local time.
Iran’s Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting reported that the blasts were heard near key coastal infrastructure, though no full details of damage were confirmed.
The incident has added further strain to the already unstable ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, which has been in place since April 8. Both sides have accused each other of violations and military provocations.
US officials insist their actions are defensive in nature and part of a broader strategy to prevent escalation in the region. They say the goal is to protect military personnel while still leaving room for diplomatic progress.
Iranian officials, however, have warned that they reserve the right to respond to any perceived violations of their territory. State-linked media described the strikes as a breach of sovereignty and an escalation of conflict.
Diplomatic efforts are continuing alongside military developments. Talks involving US, Iranian, and Qatari representatives are reportedly focused on drafting a framework for a possible ceasefire extension and broader political agreement.
Key sticking points include security guarantees, sanctions relief, and control over sensitive regional waterways. The situation remains highly complex, with both sides maintaining firm positions.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints in the world. Any disruption to shipping routes in the area can have immediate effects on global oil prices and trade stability.
Analysts say the combination of ongoing strikes and active negotiations creates a highly volatile environment. While both sides have expressed interest in dialogue, trust remains low.
Rubio’s remarks suggest that while progress is possible, a breakthrough is unlikely in the immediate term. For now, diplomacy and military actions continue in parallel as tensions remain high across the region.
