Rubio Says Iran Deal Could Take Days as U.S. Launches Fresh Strikes

Negotiations for a deal with Iran could extend for several more days, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Tuesday, tempering expectations for a swift end 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 emphasized 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." These actions were taken despite a ceasefire that has been in place since early April, with U.S. Central Command citing the need to protect American troops from Iranian threats.

Meanwhile, Iran reported downing a "hostile" stealth drone using a new air defense system, according to Iranian news agencies. This development occurred as Iran's top negotiator and foreign minister were in Doha for talks with Qatar's prime minister regarding a potential deal to end the three-month-old war.

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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.

Rubio indicated that diplomacy would be given every opportunity to succeed before alternative measures are considered. He referred to ongoing discussions concerning the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a "very real, significant, time-limited negotiation on the nuclear matter." President Donald Trump also commented on the talks, describing them as progressing "nicely" but warning of further action if they failed, stating it would be "either a Great Deal for all, or no Deal at all."

Adding to regional tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced an intensification of strikes against the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon. Israel's military subsequently reported attacking Hezbollah infrastructure in eastern Lebanon. These actions follow a mid-April ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, though Israel maintains these strikes are self-defense against Hezbollah.

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It "will only be a Great Deal for all, or no Deal at all,"