U.S.-Iran Talks Continue Amid Fresh American Strikes Near Strait of Hormuz

The United States carried out fresh military strikes in southern Iran while diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran continued over a possible agreement aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said discussions between the two sides could still take several days, suggesting that negotiations remained active despite ongoing military action.

According to American officials, the latest strikes targeted missile launch positions and boats allegedly involved in laying naval mines near the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital shipping route that handles a large share of the world’s oil exports. Washington described the operation as a defensive step intended to protect international maritime traffic and safeguard U.S. military personnel stationed in the Gulf region.

Rubio stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, warning that disruptions to shipping could significantly affect global energy supplies and international trade. His comments came amid growing concerns that escalating tensions in the region could lead to instability in oil markets and increased geopolitical uncertainty.

At the same time, diplomatic talks involving Iranian and American representatives were continuing in Doha. Sources familiar with the discussions said negotiations were focused on Iran’s nuclear programme, its enriched uranium stockpiles, regional security concerns, and the possible release of frozen Iranian assets. Efforts were also reportedly being made to reduce military escalation and prevent further confrontations in the Gulf.

Iranian officials, however, maintained that detailed nuclear negotiations would not proceed until a broader political framework agreement had been reached. Tehran also accused the United States of weakening trust by continuing military operations during ongoing diplomatic discussions.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the negotiations were progressing positively but warned that Washington remained prepared to take additional action if talks failed to produce results. Meanwhile, regional tensions remain high, with continuing clashes involving Iran-backed armed groups and growing concerns over the possibility of wider conflict in the Middle East.