JAIPUR: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that finalising a potential agreement with Iran could take several more days, as US forces also claimed fresh strikes in southern Iran.
Speaking to reporters in Jaipur, Jaipur, Rubio said negotiations with Iran were ongoing in Doha. He said both sides continued to refine the language and details of an initial draft.
Rubio said President Donald Trump wanted a deal, but only one that served US interests.
He stressed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open under all circumstances due to its critical role in global trade and energy flows.
Separately, the US Central Command said American forces carried out strikes in southern Iran.
It said the strikes targeted missile launch sites and boats used for laying naval mines. U.S. officials said they acted in self-defense.
The military said it hit locations where preparations were allegedly underway to deploy mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian state media reported explosions near Bandar Abbas, but Iranian authorities neither confirmed nor denied the U.S. claims.
Meanwhile, a new round of talks continued in Doha between Iranian negotiators and other officials.
Reports said the discussions covered the Strait of Hormuz, a possible ceasefire extension, Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles and the release of frozen Iranian assets.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said detailed nuclear talks would not begin until an initial framework agreement is reached.
The escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran have continued to impact global oil markets, Gulf security and international trade, while diplomatic efforts for a negotiated settlement remain ongoing.
