Marco Rubio has said negotiations with Iran could take only “a few days,” dampening expectations of an immediate breakthrough as tensions escalate in the Gulf region following renewed U.S. military activity.
Speaking to reporters aboard his plane in Jaipur, Rubio said the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz remained critical, stressing that the key maritime route must remain open.
“The straits have to be open, they’re going to be open one way or the other, so they need to be open,” he said.
His remarks followed reports that U.S. forces carried out what Washington described as defensive strikes in southern Iran, targeting boats allegedly attempting to lay mines and missile launch sites.
The U.S. Central Command said the operations were intended “to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,” despite an existing ceasefire reportedly in place since early April.
Iran, however, claimed it had shot down a “hostile” stealth drone using a newly deployed air defence system, though it did not specify the origin of the aircraft.
The military escalation comes as Iranian officials continue indirect negotiations with the United States in Doha, where discussions reportedly involve the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme.
According to diplomatic sources, the talks also include proposals for releasing frozen Iranian assets as part of a broader potential agreement.
U.S. President Donald Trump said negotiations were progressing “nicely” but warned that failure could trigger further military action.
“It will only be a Great Deal for all, or no Deal at all,” Trump wrote on his social media platform.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor through which nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows, has become a central point of contention in the ongoing crisis.
Iranian officials have indicated that while ships would not be charged tolls for passage, service fees related to navigation and environmental protection could apply under a proposed protocol involving Oman.
A diplomatic source cited by Japanese media said discussions included a plan to reopen the strait roughly 30 days after any agreement is reached.
Since the escalation of hostilities, vessel traffic through the waterway has reportedly dropped significantly compared to normal levels, raising concerns in global energy markets.
Israel has also intensified military operations in the region, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordering strikes against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, further heightening regional instability.
Although a ceasefire was agreed between Israel and Lebanon in April, cross-border strikes have continued, with Israel citing self-defence operations against Hezbollah infrastructure.
The ongoing conflict has contributed to volatility in global oil markets, pushing up energy, fertiliser, and food prices.
Analysts warn that continued instability around the Strait of Hormuz could further disrupt global trade and intensify economic pressure worldwide.
