Iran Wants a Deal but Its Conditions Are Ridiculous: Marco Rubio
PARIS (Daily Qudrat): US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that Iran wants a deal with the United States; however, the conditions put forward by Tehran are such that Washington does not consider them serious or acceptable. He said that circumstances can change, but America will not agree to any inappropriate deal.
In a statement issued by the US State Department on 10 November, Marco Rubio said that Iran certainly wants a deal, but the problem is the conditions it keeps presenting.
According to him, these conditions are ridiculous and at present the Iranian position does not give the impression of serious negotiations. He further said that economic necessities ultimately affect every government.
The Door to a Deal Is Not Closed: Rubio
Speaking on the occasion of the Group of Seven foreign ministers’ meeting in Paris, the US Secretary of State said that Washington is ready for talks for a real and workable compromise.
According to him, President Donald Trump will also support a possible deal, but America will not accept conditions it considers against its interests.
Rubio said that several countries in the region are playing a role in contacts and the exchange of proposals between the parties. He specifically mentioned Qatar’s mediation. However, it is clear from his statement that despite diplomatic efforts, significant differences remain between the parties.
What Are Iran’s Conditions?
According to Reuters, Iran has put forward several conditions for the resumption of negotiations, including the removal of US sanctions and the naval blockade. Tehran also wants an end to the war on all fronts. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei, defending these proposals, has called them reasonable.
According to the Iranian position, if the relevant conditions are met, steps regarding the Strait of Hormuz can be taken in a short period. On the other hand, Washington considers these demands an obstacle to progress in negotiations. Due to these conflicting positions of the two governments, no final agreement has been announced.
Decision to Continue Economic Pressure on Iran
Reuters reported, citing four diplomats, that Marco Rubio told his counterparts during the G7 meeting in Paris that America will continue severe economic pressure on Iran.
According to US officials, the purpose of the sanctions is to limit Tehran’s financial capacity and regional activities.
Rubio took the position that America does not have only two paths — starting a new widespread war or accepting Iran’s conditions. According to him, economic sanctions are also a means of maintaining pressure. This is the US government’s position; Iran opposes this policy.
Qatar’s Mediation and Regional Tension
According to Reuters, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani made diplomatic contacts in Paris and discussed efforts to reduce tension. Qatar has been playing an important role in contacts between America and Iran, while other regional countries are also active for a diplomatic solution to the conflict.
The French Foreign Minister has also warned that the risk of tension escalating again in the region has not been completely eliminated. Despite this, diplomatic efforts are continuing so that a political solution to the Strait of Hormuz crisis and the broader conflict can be found.
What Will Happen Next?
Marco Rubio’s latest statement indicates that America currently wants to keep the path of negotiations open while maintaining economic pressure on Iran. On the other hand, Iran stands by the conditions it has presented. Therefore, confirming an immediate agreement would be premature, and future progress depends on a possible change in the positions of both parties and the efforts of mediating countries.
