Rubio Lowers Expectations: Settlement Does Not Appear Close

Washington–Tehran–Agencies: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that reaching a settlement in talks with Iran “does not appear to be imminent,” noting that Tehran is putting forward “unrealistic” demands. Speaking to reporters before departing for Paris to attend a meeting of the Group of Seven foreign ministers, Rubio said, “I cannot say that we are on the verge of achieving a breakthrough.” He added, “At present, the talks have not been particularly productive; Iran’s demands are not only unacceptable, but in some cases they are utterly absurd, defamatory, and unrealistic.”

In Tehran, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced yesterday that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had issued directives to end the state of “neither war nor peace,” affirming that his country seeks dialogue and negotiation. Pezeshkian explained that logic dictates Iran should not enter a war as long as it can secure its rights through dialogue, but he stressed that his country would not surrender to the use of force.

In this context, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei said that if Washington meets Tehran’s demands, positive developments would be witnessed within two days and security would return to the Strait of Hormuz. He added that Iran’s two-day deadline proposal remains the most logical initiative at present and is still on the table.

In this regard, the Iranian official praised the mediation efforts of Qatar and Pakistan, confirming that communication with both sides continues. He also revealed that inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conducted inspections at the Bushehr nuclear facility a few days ago.

Earlier, on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that it was time for the White House to make a decision on the proposal to end the war on all fronts in exchange for the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within two days.