US Senator Rubio Warns Iran Deal Could Take Days After Military Attacks

US Forces Conduct Strikes on Iranian Missile Sites and Boats in Southern Iran

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that a potential deal to end the US-Israel conflict over Iran could take several days to be agreed upon, amid ongoing talks in Qatar. The US military claimed to have struck missile sites and boats laying mines in southern Iran on Monday.

Rubio said that “there were some talks going on in Qatar today” and expressed his optimism about making progress. He noted that the president’s desire to make a deal is evident, stating that “he’s either going to make a good deal or no deal.” Rubio emphasized the importance of opening the Strait of Hormuz, saying “the straits have to be open.”

The Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that US forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran on Monday to protect troops from threats posed by Iranian forces. The targets included missile launch sites and boats attempting to lay mines.

Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB reported loud explosions in the vicinity of Bandar Abbas at midnight local time. Al Jazeera’s Resul Serdar reported that there was no immediate official reaction from the Iranian government, but officials have not denied or confirmed the US claims.

Former US diplomat Adam Clements stated that he is not surprised by the US acknowledgment of striking southern Iran earlier. He noted that the incident in the Strait of Hormuz is a significant development and should be closely monitored. However, Clements believes that formal diplomatic negotiations between the US and Iran are still ongoing and that the strikes will not derail the process.

Top Iranian negotiators gathered in Doha for talks to end the conflict, which has affected global energy prices due to Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Discussions focused on the strait and Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, as well as the potential release of frozen Iranian funds.

Source: Al Jazeera