U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a negotiated deal with Iran could be reached in a few days [1].
The timing of these remarks is critical as the U.S. simultaneously carries out military operations. This duality suggests a strategy of applying maximum pressure through force while maintaining a diplomatic path to prevent a full-scale regional conflict.
Rubio's comments came on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 [1], while the United States launched fresh self-defense strikes against Iranian targets [2]. A U.S. Department of Defense spokesperson said the United States launched fresh strikes in self-defense [3].
Despite the military escalation, diplomatic efforts continue in Doha, Qatar. Iran's top negotiator has met with Qatari officials to discuss the terms of a potential agreement. Rubio said that the framework for a resolution is already largely established.
"Negotiating a deal with Iran could take a few days," Rubio said [4]. He said that "there's a pretty solid thing on the table" [5].
The strikes were conducted by U.S. forces in the region following actions taken by Iran [6]. The U.S. government maintains that these military responses are necessary for security while the diplomatic process moves forward in Qatar.
This approach of "simultaneous escalation and diplomacy" is intended to ensure that any final nuclear agreement is reached from a position of U.S. strength. The outcome of the talks in Doha will determine if the current cycle of strikes will cease or expand into a broader confrontation.
“"Negotiating a deal with Iran could take a few days."”
The U.S. is employing a 'dual-track' strategy, using targeted military strikes to degrade Iranian capabilities while pursuing a nuclear deal in Doha. By signaling that a 'solid' agreement is near even during active combat, the administration is attempting to provide Iran with an exit ramp to avoid further escalation while ensuring the final deal reflects U.S. security requirements.
