Washington / Jaipur: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that a diplomatic agreement with Iran could still be reached within days, even as the United States carried out what it described as “self-defence” strikes targeting Iranian military assets in the country’s south.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to Jaipur, Rubio indicated that backchannel discussions were continuing and that negotiations remained active despite rising tensions in the region.
“There are still talks taking place, including discussions in Qatar. A lot of work is happening around the language and framework of the initial agreement, so it may take a few more days,” Rubio said, adding that US President Donald Trump remained committed to pursuing a strong agreement with Tehran.
According to Rubio, the US administration’s position is clear: either a “good deal” is reached or there will be no agreement at all.
US Conducts ‘Self-Defence’ Strikes in Southern Iran
The diplomatic remarks came shortly after the US military launched targeted strikes near Bandar Abbas in southern Iran, close to the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Officials from United States Central Command said the operation was carried out to protect American personnel and assets from what were described as imminent threats posed by Iranian missile and naval units.
US Central Command spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins stated that the strikes specifically targeted missile launch positions and mine-laying boats believed to pose risks to American forces operating in the region.
He added that the military was exercising restraint despite heightened tensions and ongoing ceasefire efforts.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes, with a significant share of global oil shipments passing through the narrow waterway.
Trump Demands Action on Enriched Uranium
Meanwhile, Donald Trump intensified pressure on Iran by demanding that its enriched uranium stockpile either be handed over to the United States or destroyed under international supervision as part of any future agreement.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the issue of enriched uranium — which he referred to as “nuclear dust” — must be addressed immediately to secure lasting peace and stability.
He suggested that the material could either be transferred to the United States for destruction or eliminated inside Iran under monitored conditions involving nuclear oversight authorities.
The latest developments come amid renewed diplomatic activity and military tensions in West Asia, with global powers closely monitoring the possibility of escalation around the Strait of Hormuz and the broader regional security situation.
Despite the strikes, Rubio’s remarks signalled that Washington continues to keep diplomatic channels open, indicating that negotiations with Tehran remain active even in a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment.
