Rubio: Iran Deal Could Take Days as U.S. Conducts Fresh Strikes

Negotiating a deal with Iran might extend for several more days, according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, tempering expectations for a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict. His comments came a day after U.S. forces carried out strikes in southern Iran, which Washington described as defensive measures.

Rubio detailed that the strikes targeted assets including boats attempting to lay mines and missile launch sites. He stressed the critical importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, stating, "The straits have to be open, they’re going to be open one way or the other, so they need to be open." He made these remarks to reporters while traveling in Jaipur, India.

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The straits have to be open, they’re going to be open one way or the other, so they need to be open.

The U.S. Central Command stated that the strikes on Monday were intended "to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces." This action occurred despite a ceasefire that has been in place since early April. Meanwhile, Iranian news agencies reported that Iran had successfully downed a "hostile" stealth drone using a new air defense system, though the origin of the drone was not specified.

These U.S. military actions coincided with Iran's top negotiator and foreign minister being in Doha. They were engaged in discussions with Qatar's prime minister concerning a potential agreement to conclude the three-month war, according to an official familiar with the visit.

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to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.