Iran Defends Two-Day Peace Talks Proposal After Rubio Criticism

Iran defended its proposal to restart peace talks within two days as reasonable, following US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's criticism of some conditions as "outrageous and ridiculous." Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei questioned whether demanding the lifting of US sanctions and naval blockade before negotiations, plus an end to the war on all fronts, is unreasonable. Iran shortened its earlier seven-day proposal, which required Washington to halt hostilities and waive sanctions first. Baghaei also dismissed a US military task force restricting Iran's land trade as a diversion after Republican midterm losses, and said US pressure on Iraq to close borders with Iran should not affect bilateral ties. Rubio stated no breakthrough is imminent, though Trump favors diplomacy, with strikes possible if US forces face threats.