Speaking to reporters during a visit to Jaipur, Rubio said discussions involving Iranian representatives were continuing in Qatar and suggested that negotiations had entered a detailed phase focused on the wording of a potential agreement.

“There were some talks going on in Qatar today, so we’ll see if we can make progress,” Rubio said, adding that discussions were centered on specific language in an initial draft document and could require several more days to conclude.

Rubio said President Donald Trump remained committed to securing an agreement but would only support terms acceptable to Washington.
“The president’s expressed his desire to make it. He’s either going to make a good deal or no deal,” Rubio said.

The comments came after new U.S. strikes on Iranian-linked targets raised questions about the durability of efforts to halt hostilities. The military action coincided with the arrival of senior Iranian negotiators in Doha for another round of talks intended to end the conflict that has destabilized the region and disrupted global energy markets.

A central issue in the negotiations remains the status of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime energy corridors. The waterway handles a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments and has become a focal point of the crisis after Iran moved to block transit through the strait.

Rubio said reopening the route was essential for international commerce and global economic stability.
“The straits have to be open,” he said.
He described the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as unlawful and unsustainable, arguing that freedom of navigation must be restored regardless of the outcome of the negotiations.

“They’re going to be open one way or the other,” Rubio said. “What’s happening there is unlawful, it’s illegal, it’s unsustainable for the world, it’s unacceptable.”
The latest remarks underscore Washington’s attempt to balance military pressure with diplomatic engagement as negotiators seek a framework that could end the conflict while addressing concerns over maritime security and regional stability.

The talks in Qatar are being closely watched by energy markets and regional governments, given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and its role in global oil and gas supplies.

The proposed accord, details of which were reported by the Saudi-owned broadcaster Al Arabiya, outlines a series of measures aimed at reducing tensions between Washington and Tehran and reinforcing regional stability following months of heightened confrontation.

According to the reported draft, both countries would pledge to abide by international law and the United Nations Charter, underscoring a renewed focus on diplomatic engagement and adherence to established international norms.

A central element of the agreement is the phased easing of U.S. sanctions on Iran. In return, Tehran would be required to fully implement the commitments contained in the accord, Al Arabiya reported.

The draft also includes guarantees for freedom of navigation in the Arabian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman, waterways that are critical to global energy shipments and international trade.
Both sides would further commit to respecting each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and refrain from interference in domestic affairs, according to the reported text.

The agreement contains provisions barring attacks on military, civilian and economic infrastructure, a clause that could help reduce the risk of direct confrontation and disruptions to regional energy markets.
Details regarding Iran’s nuclear programme, a longstanding source of dispute between Tehran and Washington, were not included in the reported draft and remain unclear.

Al Arabiya did not disclose how it obtained the document. Neither U.S. nor Iranian authorities had publicly commented on the reported draft at the time of publication.

The agreement would take effect immediately upon formal announcement by both governments, according to the reported text.

India’s foreign ministry described the incident as “unacceptable,” saying commercial shipping and civilian mariners continued to face threats amid heightened regional tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

“The attack on an Indian-flagged ship off the coast of Oman yesterday is unacceptable, and we deplore the fact that commercial shipping and civilian mariners continue to be targeted,” the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said all Indian crew members aboard the vessel had been rescued safely by Omani authorities but did not identify the ship or specify who New Delhi believed was responsible for the attack.Maritime security firm Vanguard identified the vessel as the MSV Hajj Ali, a wooden cargo dhow carrying 14 crew members.

The company said it received reports that the ship sank off Limah, Oman, south of the Strait of Hormuz, after a suspected explosion.According to Vanguard, the vessel was transporting livestock from Berbera in Somaliland to Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates when it was apparently struck by what was believed to be a drone or missile.

A fire reportedly broke out onboard, forcing the crew to abandon the vessel before it sank, the company said.Ship-tracking platform Maritime Traffic lists the MSV Hajj Ali as a 54-meter wooden dhow commonly used in regional cargo trade across Gulf and Arabian Sea routes.

Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has faced severe disruption since the outbreak of war involving Iran on Feb. 28. Tehran has imposed extensive restrictions on maritime movement through the waterway, while the United States has maintained a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports despite a ceasefire agreed in early April.

The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments during normal operating conditions, making any disruption a major concern for energy markets and import-dependent economies such as India.

“India reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, should be avoided,” the foreign ministry added.The incident occurred as India hosted foreign ministers from the BRICS bloc in New Delhi, including Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Speaking during the summit, Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz remained open to commercial traffic provided vessels coordinated with Iranian naval authorities, though he did not directly address the attack on the Indian vessel.

India’s foreign ministry described the incident as “unacceptable,” saying commercial shipping and civilian mariners continued to face threats amid heightened regional tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

“The attack on an Indian-flagged ship off the coast of Oman yesterday is unacceptable, and we deplore the fact that commercial shipping and civilian mariners continue to be targeted,” the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said all Indian crew members aboard the vessel had been rescued safely by Omani authorities but did not identify the ship or specify who New Delhi believed was responsible for the attack.

Maritime security firm Vanguard identified the vessel as the MSV Hajj Ali, a wooden cargo dhow carrying 14 crew members. The company said it received reports that the ship sank off Limah, Oman, south of the Strait of Hormuz, after a suspected explosion.

According to Vanguard, the vessel was transporting livestock from Berbera in Somaliland to Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates when it was apparently struck by what was believed to be a drone or missile.A fire reportedly broke out onboard, forcing the crew to abandon the vessel before it sank, the company said.

Ship-tracking platform Maritime Traffic lists the MSV Hajj Ali as a 54-meter wooden dhow commonly used in regional cargo trade across Gulf and Arabian Sea routes.Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has faced severe disruption since the outbreak of war involving Iran on Feb. 28.

Tehran has imposed extensive restrictions on maritime movement through the waterway, while the United States has maintained a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports despite a ceasefire agreed in early April.

The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments during normal operating conditions, making any disruption a major concern for energy markets and import-dependent economies such as India.

“India reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, should be avoided,” the foreign ministry added.The incident occurred as India hosted foreign ministers from the BRICS bloc in New Delhi, including Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Speaking during the summit, Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz remained open to commercial traffic provided vessels coordinated with Iranian naval authorities, though he did not directly address the attack on the Indian vessel.

Speaking at U.N. headquarters alongside diplomats from Gulf states and the United States, Alwasil urged support for a draft Security Council resolution demanding Iran halt attacks and remove obstacles affecting maritime traffic through the strait.“The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital artery of global trade and any disruption to its security is a matter of serious international concern,” Alwasil said.

He said the proposed resolution sought immediate international measures to “de-escalate tensions, ensure the free and safe flow of trade and humanitarian assistance, restore stability to global markets, and protect affected populations.”Alwasil warned that disruptions to shipping routes were affecting energy markets and delaying deliveries of food, medical supplies and humanitarian goods, particularly for import-dependent countries.

The Saudi envoy appeared alongside representatives from Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait, as well as Mike Waltz, who said freedom of navigation was central to global economic stability.

“We believe in some basic fundamental principles, namely the freedom of navigation for the entire world’s economies,” Waltz told reporters. “That’s what’s at stake here, nothing less than a cornerstone of worldwide stability and commerce.”Diplomatic sources said Russia, a permanent member of the Security Council and a close Iranian ally, warned it was prepared to veto the resolution.

Moscow and Beijing previously abstained on a March resolution condemning Iranian attacks on Gulf states and criticizing restrictions on shipping through Hormuz.

According to diplomats, the latest U.S.-Bahrain draft resolution calls on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, disclose the locations of naval mines, refrain from imposing transit tolls and allow the establishment of humanitarian shipping corridors for fertilizer and other essential cargo.

The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments and around one-third of global fertilizer trade, making it one of the world’s most strategically significant maritime chokepoints.

Commercial shipping traffic through the waterway has been heavily disrupted since conflict erupted on Feb. 28 following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. Regional instability has since fueled concerns over energy supplies, commodity prices and global food security.

In early April, Russia and China vetoed another Security Council proposal that would have encouraged coordinated international efforts to secure maritime navigation through the strait.

The live-fire drill, part of the annual “Balikatan” exercises, was conducted about 75 km off the coast of Paoay in northern Philippines. Philippine military officials said two missile volleys hit the target ship, the BRP Quezon, within six minutes of launch.

Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro observed the exercise on site, while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. monitored the operation via live feed from Manila, according to the Philippine government.

The exercise coincided with ongoing talks between Tokyo and Manila on a potential transfer of defense equipment, following Japan’s decision to ease restrictions on military exports. Discussions include the possible provision of Abukuma-class destroyers and TC-90 aircraft to the Philippines, Koizumi said.

In a statement, the Philippine military said the drill demonstrated coordinated maritime strike capabilities among allied forces and underscored efforts to enhance interoperability and regional security, particularly in safeguarding freedom of navigation.

The Type 88 missile system, designed for coastal defense, was deployed as part of broader efforts to deter maritime threats in contested waters.More than 17,000 troops are participating in this year’s Balikatan exercises, including approximately 10,000 from the United States and around 1,400 from Japan.

Several countries, including Australia, Canada, France and New Zealand, are taking part as active participants for the first time, reflecting expanding defense cooperation.

Earlier in the exercises, US and Philippine forces deployed the NMESIS anti-ship missile system in Batanes province near Taiwan, amid rising regional tensions linked to competing territorial claims.

China has repeatedly criticized such joint drills, saying they escalate tensions in the region.

The German navy vessel Fulda is being positioned to support a potential multinational operation aimed at protecting maritime navigation through the strategically vital waterway, where tensions surged after Iran effectively disrupted shipping routes during the recent war.

A defense ministry spokeswoman said the deployment was intended to make a “significant and visible contribution” to an international coalition seeking to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy transit corridors.

Several countries have indicated readiness to participate in what officials have described as a “neutral” maritime security mission following the end of hostilities between the United States and Iran.The United States said last week it had begun de-mining operations in coordination with Tehran, although Iranian authorities have not publicly confirmed such cooperation.

The minesweeper Fulda, a specialized vessel designed to detect and neutralize naval mines, will be stationed with a crew of around 45 personnel, the spokeswoman said.Any eventual deployment into the Strait of Hormuz itself would depend on what Berlin described as a lasting cessation of hostilities and formal approval from Germany’s Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, which is required for overseas military operations.

The conflict in Iran began on Feb. 28 with air strikes carried out by the United States and Israel, sharply escalating regional tensions and raising fears over global energy supply disruptions.In response, Iran’s military moved to effectively close the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments normally pass, triggering a spike in international crude prices and renewed concerns over shipping security.

The narrow maritime passage linking the Persian Gulf to global markets remains one of the most strategically sensitive chokepoints in world trade, particularly for Europe and Asia’s energy imports.

Diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region have since intensified, with prospects for renewed negotiations between Washington and Tehran emerging this weekend in Pakistan, where both sides have reportedly sent envoys to Islamabad for indirect talks on ending the conflict.

Germany’s move reflects broader European efforts to restore stability in Gulf shipping lanes and prevent renewed disruption to commercial traffic after weeks of heightened military confrontation.

The visit by Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling to Taiping Island marks the first ministerial trip to the outpost in seven years, Taiwan’s Central News Agency reported. The island is part of the disputed Spratly Islands, claimed by Taiwan, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Taiwan’s coast guard said the exercises included humanitarian rescue drills, medical evacuation simulations, and pollution response operations. In one scenario, armed special forces practiced boarding a cargo vessel that had refused to respond to communications.

Authorities said the vessel was escorted to Taiping Island for inspection after it was deemed to have entered waters under Taiwan’s jurisdiction.Video released by the coast guard showed armed personnel entering a ship’s control room while instructing crew members to comply with inspection procedures.

The drills underscore Taiwan’s efforts to assert its presence in the contested maritime region, where overlapping territorial claims have heightened tensions for years.China claims most of the South China Sea and has built extensive artificial islands and military installations in the region, raising concerns among regional states and the United States.

Beijing maintains that its construction and deployments are within its sovereign rights.Taiwan also maintains control over other features in the region, including the Pratas Islands in the northern South China Sea, while Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels regularly operate near Taiwan in what Taipei describes as pressure tactics.

Taiping Island has infrastructure capable of supporting military resupply flights and a port upgraded in 2023 to accommodate larger patrol vessels, though it remains lightly defended compared to nearby Chinese-held installations.

The South China Sea remains one of the world’s most strategically important waterways, carrying trillions of dollars in annual trade and containing key fishing grounds and potential energy resources, making it a persistent flashpoint for regional and global powers.

The meeting at the Permanent Joint Headquarters in northwest London is intended to advance operational planning for reopening the strategic waterway when conditions permit, following what officials described as progress at international discussions held in Paris last week.

“The task today and tomorrow is to translate diplomatic consensus into a joint plan to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Strait and support a lasting ceasefire,” Defense Minister John Healey said in a statement.

The London conference follows talks co-chaired in Paris by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron that brought together representatives from more than 40 countries to address security in the strait, a critical global shipping route.

British and French officials have emphasized that the proposed multinational force would be defensive in nature and deployed only after a durable peace agreement is reached in the region.The United States and Iran, the principal parties to the ongoing conflict, did not participate in the Paris discussions.

A two-week ceasefire between the two countries was due to expire at midnight GMT on Tuesday, but US President Donald Trump said shortly before the deadline that it would be extended to allow further negotiations.

Both Washington and Tehran have accused each other of violating the truce, while the United States has maintained a blockade of Iranian ports.Downing Street had earlier indicated that a military planning summit would take place this week without providing further details

The Japanese destroyer sailed through the strait from early morning to late afternoon, according to a statement by a Chinese military spokesperson, who said naval and air forces were deployed to observe the vessel throughout its passage.

Japan’s Self-Defense Forces declined to comment on the transit. The passage comes against the backdrop of heightened regional tensions over Taiwan, which claims as its territory despite opposition from ’s government.

Beijing considers the Taiwan issue a core national interest and frequently characterizes it as a “red line” in diplomatic relations. It also asserts sovereignty over the strait, a key international shipping route, and has responded strongly to foreign naval movements in the area.

China’s foreign ministry spokesperson said at a press briefing that the transit represented a “display of force” and accused Japan of compounding earlier tensions with what he described as “mistakes upon mistakes.” He added that China had lodged formal diplomatic protests with Tokyo.

Relations between the two countries have deteriorated in recent months, particularly after remarks by Japanese Prime Minister suggesting that a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a Japanese military response.

China’s military had previously tracked a foreign naval transit through the strait in February, when an Australian warship sailed the same route, according to state-backed media reports. The latest incident underscores persistent friction over freedom of navigation and sovereignty claims in one of Asia’s most strategically sensitive waterways.