Rubio rejects Iran reparations demand as US keeps up sanctions pressure

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected Iran's demand for war reparations on Tuesday, stating Tehran should pay compensation for destabilizing the region, while reaffirming Washington's commitment to sanctions and economic pressure. Rubio dismissed Iran's conditions for ending the conflict—including lifting the US naval blockade and sanctions, releasing frozen assets, and reparations—as "absurd" and "not serious." He told G7 ministers that sanctions and the blockade were working effectively enough that President Donald Trump did not need major combat operations "at this point." The standoff continues to pressure oil markets and global shipping, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, with crude prices falling to two-month lows. Iran's Supreme National Security Council denied any negotiations are taking place, calling reports of talks a "pure lie," while Rubio said Washington would continue imposing "devastating" economic costs.