Middle East: Rubio says Iran deal 'could take days'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a deal with Tehran remains within reach despite new US military strikes on Iran. He said talks were occurring in Qatar and progress would depend on negotiating specific language in an initial document, which could take a few days. He said the president wants a deal and will either secure a good deal or accept no deal. Rubio said the Strait of Hormuz would remain open one way or another and called Iran’s actions unlawful, illegal, unsustainable, and unacceptable. He linked an Iranian blockade to global fuel supply disruption and rising oil prices. The remarks followed US Central Command self-defense strikes targeting missile launch sites and boats laying mines.

"“There were some talks going on in Qatar today, so we'll see if we can make progress,” Rubio told reporters during an official visit to India. “I think it's a lot of talking back and forth going on about specific language in the initial document, so it'll take a few days,” he added."

"“The president's expressed his desire to make it. He's either going to make a good deal or no deal.” Rubio said the Strait of Hormuz was “going to be open one way or the other,” adding: “What's happening there is unlawful, it's illegal, it's unsustainable for the world, it's unacceptable.”"

"An Iranian blockade of the vital shipping channel has strangled global fuel supplies and caused oil prices to rocket. Rubio's statement came shortly after the US military's Central Command announced that it had launched “self-defense” strikes against Iran, with targets including missile launch sites and boats laying mines."

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