US ready for peace deal with Iran, but terms unacceptable: Marco Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified on Tuesday that the Trump administration remains ready to reach a peace deal with Iran, but some of the conditions put forward by Tehran are highly irrational. Speaking to reporters during the G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting in Paris, Rubio stated that the US would intensify economic pressure on Iran. He alleged that the Iranian regime is ruining the country through its demands. According to Rubio, Iran is eager to reach an agreement, but their current terms show a lack of seriousness. He added that over time, Iran will have to arrange finances to pay its security forces and fighters, which is becoming difficult for them.

According to a Hindustan Times report, Rubio stated that the Iranian economy has suffered heavy damage due to economic sanctions imposed by the US and the naval blockade of Iranian ports. He assured allied nations that there is no need for large-scale military action now. Rubio indicated that economic pressure will increase further in the coming months, as the impact of the sanctions will deepen over time. Giving an example, he said that Iran now has only a few barrels of oil left that could have been shipped out before the blockade. Once this oil stock is exhausted, almost all of Iran's oil revenue will cease.

According to an Axios report, Rubio told G7 allies that President Donald Trump had considered options of restarting a war with Iran or reaching a deal, but ultimately he has chosen a third option: strangling the Iranian regime economically. Rubio made it clear that the US will not pay any compensation to Iran. There is no question of providing the cash demanded by Iran, because in the US's view, it is Iran that has spread instability in the region and they should be the ones paying compensation. President Trump has also previously said that the US wants to maintain the status quo in the region and that military operations have effectively concluded.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has strongly criticized Rubio's statements. He termed Rubio's remarks as a 'delusion'. Araghchi wrote on social media that similar things were said eight years ago and today Rubio is repeating the same things. He said that it is because of such inhumane policies and delusions that US policies have failed. Meanwhile, leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Qatar are trying to persuade Trump to refrain from new military action. Trump stated that positive developments have been observed to reduce tension following the Republican Party's defeat in the midterm elections.

Marco Rubio is the current US Secretary of State, who is managing foreign policy in the Trump administration. He has been active in American politics for a long time and is known for adopting a tough stance towards countries like Iran. Previously, he has also served as a Senator from Florida and played an important role in foreign affairs committees. His upbringing and political career have primarily focused on US national security and international relations.