U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that a deal with Iran could take a few days [1].
The timing is critical as the U.S. military simultaneously launched fresh strikes in southern Iran. These actions occur while an Iranian delegation is in Qatar for cease-fire negotiations, creating a volatile tension between diplomatic efforts and military escalation.
U.S. forces targeted missile sites and boats in southern Iran on May 26 [2]. A U.S. military spokesperson said, "These strikes were carried out in self‑defence to protect our forces and our allies" [2]. The strikes were described as defensive measures, though they coincide with the ongoing push for a diplomatic resolution.
Despite the military activity, Rubio indicated that the path to an agreement remains open. "Negotiating a deal could take a few days," Rubio said [1]. He later clarified the proximity of a resolution in a follow-up interview, stating, "We remain within reach of a cease‑fire agreement" [3].
The diplomatic track is currently centered in Qatar, where the Iranian delegation is meeting to discuss the terms of a cease-fire. The U.S. administration appears to be pursuing a dual-track strategy, utilizing targeted military strikes to deter aggression while maintaining a diplomatic channel to end the conflict.
Rubio's assessment suggests that the recent strikes have not yet derailed the negotiations. However, the timeline for a final agreement remains fluid, with the Secretary of State noting the process will likely require several more days [1].
“"Negotiating a deal could take a few days," Rubio said.”
The simultaneous execution of military strikes and diplomatic negotiations suggests the U.S. is employing 'coercive diplomacy.' By degrading Iranian missile capabilities while keeping talks open in Qatar, the U.S. aims to strengthen its bargaining position and ensure any resulting cease-fire is backed by a demonstrated ability to neutralize threats.
