US Secretary Rubio says Iran talks may end in days as strikes continue

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations on a possible agreement with Iran could be concluded “within a few days,” suggesting a rapid path to ending the regional conflict. He made the remarks while in India and stressed that the Strait of Hormuz must stay open “in this or that way.”

The statement followed a new round of US airstrikes against Iranian targets in southern Iran, which the US Central Command described as defensive actions to protect American personnel from Iranian threats. Iran said it shot down an “enemy” drone using a newly‑deployed air‑defence system.

The diplomatic effort runs in parallel with Iranian negotiators meeting Qatari officials in Doha. A draft memorandum of understanding would reopen the Hormuz shipping lane and give negotiators 60 days to resolve remaining nuclear‑related issues. Both sides reported progress on the draft, which could restart commercial traffic through the strategic waterway.