Rubio sees no Iran breakthrough as Trump downplays new strikes

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio played down chances of a breakthrough in talks on ending the conflict with Iran, saying Tehran’s demands to date are unacceptable and, in some cases, “outrageous and ridiculous”.

His comments contrasted with Donald Trump’s tone after CNN cited the US President on Nov 8 as saying it is “highly unlikely” he will order more strikes on Iran if negotiations make substantial progress.

“You have a number of countries that continue to engage them with different ideas, but I wouldn’t say we’re on the verge of a breakthrough,” Rubio said in Florida before leaving for a trip to meet Group of Seven counterparts in Paris, where the Iran war will be on the agenda.

Iran has previously said the US must end a naval blockade of its ports on the Persian Gulf and lift sanctions as preconditions to peace talks, while Washington is pressing Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and to make concessions on its nuclear programme.

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