Rubio blasts Irans outrageous and ridiculous demands casting doubt on diplomatic breakthrough

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Iran of issuing “outrageous and ridiculous” demands, casting doubt on the chances of a breakthrough any time soon.“I wouldn’t say we’re on the verge of a breakthrough,” Rubio bluntly told reporters on Sunday.

“The President would always prefer to solve this and every problem diplomatically.  Sometimes that’s not possible, unfortunately.”“Right now it hasn’t been very productive, because the Iranian demands are simply not just unacceptable but, in some cases, outrageous and ridiculous and really not realistic.”Rubio didn’t elaborate on what has been so outrageous about Iran’s demands.Iran previous said the US had to meet it seven demands, which include lifting the Navy blockade and paying reparations, before it will reopen the Strait of Hormuz.Rubio’s comments about the negotiations struck a different tone from President Trump’s assessment to CNN on Sunday.

He said he didn’t believe new military campaign would be necessary so long as negotiations remained productive.“It depends on whether or not they sign a very strong agreement,” Trump told CNN in an interview published Sunday.“The answer is highly unlikely it’s going to be necessary.

They’re a failing nation.”The president was widely reported to be contemplating a resumption of strikes on Iran after the midterm elections.The two sides have continued to negotiate through mediators, led by Qatar.

President Trump is set to meet with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani Monday in the White House.The remarks from America’s top diplomat came on the heels of reports that the US struck Iranian assets, including missile launchers and defenses on Qeshm Island in the beleaguered Strait of Hormuz.“If there’s a clear and present threat to shipping or to our forces in the region, we have a right to defend ourselves,” Rubio stressed.Meanwhile, US Central Command announced on Saturday the formation o...