U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that negotiations with Iran could still take “a few days,” tempering expectations of a rapid breakthrough as tensions in the Middle East continue despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Rubio’s remarks came just one day after U.S. forces carried out fresh strikes in southern Iran, actions Washington described as defensive operations aimed at protecting American troops and safeguarding shipping routes in the region.
The latest developments underscore the fragile nature of talks intended to end the three-month conflict that has shaken global energy markets and heightened regional instability.
US Says Strait of Hormuz Must Remain Open
Speaking to reporters aboard his plane in Jaipur, India, Rubio stressed that the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz must remain open regardless of the outcome of negotiations.
“The straits have to be open, they’re going to be open one way or the other,” Rubio said.
The waterway remains one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, handling roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments under normal conditions.
Since the conflict escalated earlier this year, maritime traffic through the strait has dropped sharply, intensifying fears of prolonged disruptions to global trade and energy supplies.
Fresh US Strikes Raise Tensions
Despite a ceasefire that has technically remained in place since early April, the U.S. Central Command confirmed on Monday that American forces conducted new strikes against what it described as Iranian military threats.
According to the statement, the attacks targeted missile launch sites and boats allegedly attempting to lay naval mines in southern Iran.
Iranian media later reported that the country’s air defense systems had shot down a “hostile” stealth drone using newly deployed defense technology, though officials did not identify the drone’s origin.
The military escalation came as Iranian officials were simultaneously engaged in diplomatic discussions in Doha.
Doha Talks Focus on Hormuz and Nuclear Issues
Senior Iranian officials, including Tehran’s chief negotiator and foreign minister, traveled to Doha for talks with Qatari leaders aimed at advancing a potential agreement with the United States.
The discussions reportedly centered on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Iran’s central bank governor also participated in the meetings to discuss the possible release of frozen Iranian financial assets as part of a broader agreement.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said nuclear-related negotiations would proceed only after a broader framework agreement is finalized.
Trump Signals Diplomacy but Warns of More Attacks
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that negotiations with Iran were progressing positively, but warned that Washington was prepared to intensify military action if diplomacy failed.
In a lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump said the talks were going “nicely,” while insisting that any final agreement must fully address U.S. concerns over Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump has repeatedly stated that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons remains a central objective of the U.S. strategy.
Tehran, however, continues to deny allegations that it seeks to build nuclear weapons.
Israel Expands Pressure on Hezbollah
Regional tensions also intensified after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel would step up military operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon.
Soon after Netanyahu’s remarks, the Israeli military said it had launched strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley and other areas.
Although Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire in April, Israeli forces have continued operations they describe as defensive measures against Hezbollah activities.
Energy Markets Remain on Edge
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz has continued to pressure global energy markets.
Shipping traffic through the strategic waterway has dropped dramatically since U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran began earlier this year, with only a fraction of normal vessel traffic currently passing through the route.
The disruption has contributed to higher oil prices and increased costs for fuel, food and fertilizers worldwide.
In early Asian trading on Tuesday, U.S. crude oil prices edged slightly higher, although they remained below Friday’s closing levels as investors weighed the possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough.
What’s Next?
Diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran are expected to continue in the coming days as negotiators attempt to finalize a framework agreement addressing maritime security, nuclear concerns and regional stability.
Analysts say the next phase of negotiations will likely determine whether the Middle East moves toward de-escalation or faces another round of military confrontation.
Much will depend on whether both sides can agree on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, managing Iran’s uranium stockpile and preventing further military escalation across the region.
With information from Reuters.
