The United States conducted military strikes against Iranian targets in the Persian Gulf on Monday as negotiations over a potential nuclear agreement continued in Qatar.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened, telling reporters during a visit to India that “the straits have to be open, they’re going to be open.” Rubio characterized Iran’s actions in the region as “unlawful, illegal, unsustainable for the world, and unacceptable.”
What Happened
U.S. Central Command said American military forces conducted “self-defense strikes” in southern Iran to protect troops from threats posed by Iranian forces. The strikes targeted missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to place mines in regional waterways.
Captain Tim Hawkins, a Central Command spokesperson, confirmed the operation but declined to provide specific details about which ships faced threats or the precise locations of strikes. He stated, “U.S. Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing cease-fire.”
The strikes occurred near the Iranian port and navy base at Bandar Abbas, according to a senior U.S. military official. American warplanes and nearly two dozen Navy warships, including two aircraft carriers, have been enforcing a blockade against vessels in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.
Negotiations Amid Tensions
The military operation took place as Iranian officials were gathered in Qatar for talks aimed at ending the conflict. Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said negotiators have reached conclusions on a large portion of issues under discussion but warned that “to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent-no one can make such a claim.”
Baqaei accused Washington of shifting its negotiating positions. “There were some talks going on in Qatar today, so we’ll see if we can make progress,” Rubio said, noting that discussions focused on “specific language in the initial document.”
A top administration official said Sunday that Iranian officials have agreed in principle to eliminate highly enriched uranium as part of a deal framework. The official added that work continues on finalizing specific terms.
What’s Being Negotiated
A final agreement would require Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the U.S. lifting its blockade. If Iran agrees to reduce its nuclear enrichment levels, the United States would be willing to ease economic sanctions.
Administration officials expressed confidence about the trajectory of talks, stating that most parties agree on basic principles. The official said Iran appears more open to reaching an agreement following the military operation.
Officials emphasized that enforcement mechanisms matter more than the length of any commitment Iran makes regarding enrichment levels. “They say it doesn’t matter if the promise is for 20 or 30 years; what matters is how it will be enforced,” the official said, suggesting the potential agreement could extend further than the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated by the Obama administration.