US open to Iran peace deal, Rubio calls Tehran's conditions 'absurd'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday the US remains open to a peace deal with Iran but called Tehran's conditions "absurd," vowing to intensify economic pressure against the Islamic Republic. Speaking in Paris at the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting, Rubio said US sanctions and a naval blockade have severely damaged Iran's economy, and he told allies no major combat operations would resume. He accused Iran's leadership of destroying the country by refusing US demands. Rubio ruled out US reparations to Iran, saying Tehran should pay for regional destabilization. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed Rubio's remarks as "delusions." President Donald Trump recently said the military campaign was "effectively over," while regional leaders seek to prevent renewed action.