US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says a deal with Iran could materialize within days, even as military strikes continue targeting missile sites in southern Iran. The negotiations center on Iran’s nuclear program and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints.

Digital assets have become a surprisingly central piece of the puzzle, with the US reportedly freezing roughly $344 million in Iranian-linked crypto and Iran itself allegedly demanding Bitcoin payments for ship passage through the Strait.

The diplomatic picture

Rubio has hinted at possible announcements as soon as May 26, 2026, while making clear that the US retains “various options” if talks stall.

The…