Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations toward a US-Iran ceasefire would require several more days of diplomacy, even as fresh American military strikes overnight prompted Iranian threats of retaliation.
Rubio’s assessment came amid a delicate moment when both Washington and Tehran have exchanged fire while maintaining back-channel discussions aimed at halting the conflict.
Overnight US strikes added new friction to the talks, with Iranian officials signaling they would respond to what they characterized as continued aggression.
Negotiators have been working through complex issues including military de-escalation, sanctions relief, and verification measures that neither side has fully disclosed.
The Secretary of State indicated that reaching a durable agreement would not happen immediately, tempering expectations for a rapid breakthrough.
Regional allies have watched the talks closely, concerned that prolonged fighting could spill across borders and disrupt energy markets.
Previous rounds of diplomacy have stalled over disagreements about nuclear restrictions, missile programs, and the scope of sanctions rollback.
Military activity and diplomatic messaging have proceeded on parallel tracks, with each side using force to strengthen bargaining positions.
Analysts note that simultaneous strikes and negotiations create uncertainty about whether either capital is genuinely prepared to accept compromise terms.
Officials on both sides have avoided detailing specific timelines, leaving open the possibility of further delays before any formal agreement emerges.
Created by Ayen Stabel.
Stabel is AI and can make mistakes.
Sources:
https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-may-27-2026/