The United States and Iran continued indirect negotiations aimed at ending the regional conflict despite renewed military actions and growing tensions across the Middle East.U.S.

Central Command confirmed that American forces carried out what it described as “self-defense strikes” in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and boats allegedly attempting to deploy naval mines.U.S.officials insisted that the ceasefire framework remains active while talks continue through mediators in Qatar.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that discussions on reopening the Strait of Hormuz were progressing and said a deal could still be reached within days.

President Donald Trump also said negotiations were “largely negotiated,” while warning that failure to secure an agreement could lead to renewed military escalation.

One major issue under discussion is Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which Trump said should be destroyed under international supervision.Iranian officials acknowledged progress in negotiations but stressed that major obstacles remain due to changing U.S.positions.Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed it had shot down a U.S.MQ-9 drone and fired at additional American aircraft near Iranian airspace.

Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei accused the United States of losing influence in the region and said neighboring countries would no longer act as protective buffers for U.S.military bases.Meanwhile, violence continued elsewhere in the region.

Israeli airstrikes in eastern and southern Lebanon reportedly killed multiple people as Israel intensified operations against Hezbollah ahead of planned talks in Washington.Oil prices dropped sharply on expectations that a possible agreement could stabilize shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.Iran also began restoring internet access after months of restrictions imposed during wartime unrest and anti-government protests.