Rubio: Iran Nuclear Talks May Stretch Over Days Amid Renewed US Military Actions

Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, indicated on Tuesday that hammering out a deal with Iran may not happen overnight, suggesting a timeline of several days amid continued military operations in the region. His comments came just a day after the U.S. launched defensive strikes in southern Iran, targeting vessels engaged in laying mines and missile launch sites.

Rubio emphasized that ensuring unimpeded access through the Strait of Hormuz remains a top priority, stating it must remain open "one way or the other." The strategic waterway is critical, with around 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas typically passing through it.

Despite a ceasefire that started earlier this year in April, U.S. Central Command reported new strikes aimed at protecting American forces from perceived Iranian threats. On the Iranian side, state media reported that Tehran downed a stealth drone using its latest air defense systems, signaling mutual hostility persists despite diplomatic talks.

These military moves coincide with high-level Iranian officials engaging in talks in Doha alongside Qatar's prime minister, discussing potential agreements with the U.S. to bring an end to the conflict that has lasted over three months. Rubio commented in New Delhi that diplomacy remains the preferred path but stopped short of detailing alternative approaches if talks stall.

Rubio also mentioned a "pretty solid" proposal on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and described ongoing negotiations about Iran's nuclear program as time-sensitive and substantive. This signals an active push towards resolving key points concerning nuclear material stockpiles and maritime transit.

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump commented on the situation through a social media post, noting that discussions with Iran were progressing but warned that failure might reignite military action, stressing a firm stance of "a great deal for all, or no deal at all."

Adding to the regional complexity, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated intentions to ramp up operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, targeting infrastructure in the Bekaa Valley following a ceasefire agreement in April, which did not include Hezbollah.

Details from the Iranian side suggest a deal might exclude direct tolls for ships passing the Strait but would include fees for navigation services and environmental protections, in cooperation with Oman, which borders the strait opposite Iran. Reports suggest a potential phased reopening of the Strait about 30 days after a ceasefire deal is finalized.

Since the initiation of strikes led by the U.S. and Israel on February 28, vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dramatically decreased from previous daily counts of 125-140 ships to only a few dozen, contributing to volatility in oil markets and rising costs for fuel, fertilizers, and food worldwide.

As of Tuesday's Asian trading session, U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures slightly rose compared to Monday but remained down 5.5% from Friday's close, reflecting market uncertainty amid ongoing regional tensions and diplomatic developments.