Iran defends two-day peace talks proposal after US rejects conditions

Iran defended its proposal on Monday to restart peace talks within two days, calling it the most reasonable option after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed some conditions as "outrageous and ridiculous." Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei questioned the unreasonableness of Iran's demands, which include lifting US sanctions and a naval blockade, halting hostilities, and ending the war on all fronts before negotiations begin. The two-day timeline replaces an earlier seven-day proposal. Baghaei also addressed US pressure on Iraq to close most borders with Iran, saying it should not affect bilateral ties, and dismissed a US military task force restricting Iran's land trade as a diversion following Republican losses in midterm elections.