US and Iran Deadlocked as Rubio Calls Tehran's Demands 'Outrageous'

The United States and Iran remain deadlocked in diplomatic efforts to end their conflict, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling Tehran's demands "outrageous and ridiculous" while Iran threatens severe military retaliation if its proposal is rejected. Speaking before departing for a G7 meeting in Paris, Rubio said multiple countries are mediating but no breakthrough is imminent, adding that President Donald Trump remains open to diplomacy despite Iran's conditions being "unrealistic." Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi urged Washington to accept Tehran's two-day proposal, warning of "battle-hardened Warriors" raining down hell if war continues. Araghchi attributed the impasse to the shock of recent US midterm election results, saying mediators need time to resume their efforts. He insisted the decision now rests with the White House following the American voters' choice.