US Iran War Negotiations Hinge on Wording as Strikes Hit Missile Sites

US-Iran war negotiations are facing a critical stage as officials say remaining disputes are down to “a word, a sentence” in draft terms. Talks in Doha, mediated by Qatar, are focused on a possible memorandum of understanding covering Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, and regional security arrangements.

US Central Command confirmed fresh “self-defense strikes” in southern Iran targeting missile launch sites and boats suspected of laying mines near the Strait of Hormuz. The military said the operations were meant to protect US forces, with no further operational details released. The strikes come despite an April 8 ceasefire that has already seen multiple tensions flare between both sides.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the main disagreements in the deal relate to wording on Iran’s nuclear commitments and enforcement. He added Iran may need to either hand over enriched uranium to the US for destruction or allow international supervised destruction inside Iran.

Donald Trump also said Iran should surrender enriched uranium as part of any agreement. Israel separately signaled expanded operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, adding further pressure to regional stability.