Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that a deal with Iran could still be reached “within days,” despite fresh U.S. military strikes in southern Iran that added new tension to ongoing negotiations.

Rubio’s remarks came after the U.S. military confirmed that it had carried out what it described as “self-defense” strikes targeting missile launch sites and boats allegedly attempting to lay mines near the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command said the operations were aimed at protecting American military personnel and safeguarding strategic shipping routes in the region.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to India, Rubio said talks held in Qatar were continuing and that negotiations were focused on finalizing language in an initial agreement.

“There were some talks going on in Qatar today, so we’ll see if we can make progress,” Rubio said. “It’ll take a few days.”

The latest strikes took place amid a fragile ceasefire that has been in place since April. According to U.S. officials, the attacks targeted Iranian missile positions and vessels suspected of laying naval mines in southern Iran near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route.

Rubio stressed that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open remained a priority for Washington, calling disruptions to shipping through the waterway “unacceptable.”