The key facts

  • Rubio called Iran's conditions 'absurd,' having earlier described them as 'outrageous and ridiculous'
  • According to him, the US sees no need for a major military operation against Iran
  • Iran's Foreign Ministry demands the lifting of the naval blockade and promises positive changes within two days

Exchange of statements over a peace deal

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, after a meeting of G7 foreign ministers in Paris, said that Tehran had put forward 'absurd' demands for concluding a deal with Washington. His words were cited by The Jerusalem Post. The outlet recalls that Rubio earlier described the ceasefire conditions listed by Iran — including lifting the blockade of Iranian ports and sanctions relief — as 'outrageous and ridiculous.' According to the head of the State Department, the US is open only to a 'real deal.'

Betting on economic pressure

Rubio stressed that Washington sees no need to launch a large-scale military operation against Iran: in his assessment, sanctions and the naval blockade are working 'so well' that this is enough. 'The economic campaign against Iran is so devastating that right now there is no need for major combat operations,' the Secretary of State said, adding that he had informed the allies about this. He also announced further escalation of economic pressure on Tehran.

Tehran's response

Rubio's statements were commented on by the official spokesperson of Iran's Foreign Ministry, Esmaeil Baghaei. At a press conference in Tehran, he asked what exactly the head of American diplomacy found 'absurd': 'What is unreasonable about demanding that the US end the naval blockade?' According to him, Iran's proposals are reasonable and would make it possible, within two days, to achieve positive changes in the Middle East region and ensure the safety of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Context

The parties remain on opposite positions: the US insists on maintaining sanctions and the naval blockade as a sufficient instrument of pressure, while Iran demands their lifting as a condition of the deal. Gazeta.Ru also recalls that earlier Iran unveiled a new underground missile city. Sources report no new talks or agreement on an agenda.