U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio unequivocally rejected any diplomatic progress with Iran on Sunday, labeling Tehran's demands as "utterly unacceptable" and in some instances "bizarre, absurd, and frankly unrealistic," as reported by CBS News. This statement was made during a video recording while Rubio was en route to Paris for the G7 foreign ministers' meeting.
In a stern response on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Bagaei dismissed Rubio's criticisms, asserting that their proposal—known as the "two-day plan"—is "the most reasonable plan available," according to EFE news agency.
Bagaei argued in a press briefing, "What's irrational and absurd is the U.S. attacking Iran amid ongoing negotiations." He rhetorically questioned what was unreasonable about Tehran's demands, which include lifting the naval blockade, suspending oil sanctions, releasing frozen assets, reducing U.S. military presence in the Middle East, and implementing a comprehensive ceasefire that covers Israeli operations in Lebanon, among other conditions.
"If the United States meets our seven demands within two days, the region will witness positive developments, and security will return to the Strait of Hormuz," Bagaei stated.
Before his flight to Paris, Rubio was firm in his stance: "I wouldn't say we're on the brink of a breakthrough. The President would always prefer to resolve this and any issue diplomatically. Sometimes that's not feasible, unfortunately, but if there's an opportunity, we'll explore it."
The conflict has remained at a standstill for eight months. It began on February 28, 2026, when the U.S. and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury against Iranian nuclear and military facilities.
A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire in April and the subsequent Islamabad Memorandum signed in June failed to hold; the agreement fell apart in July after new Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
On November 2, the U.S. conducted limited strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island following an incident with the Revolutionary Guard, escalating the tension further.
Days later, President Trump convened his national security team to evaluate three options: resuming large-scale attacks, intensifying sanctions and the naval blockade, or continuing negotiations.
The U.S. military deployment in the region is unprecedented in scale. Three aircraft carrier groups—the USS George Washington, the USS George H.W. Bush, and the USS Theodore Roosevelt—are operating in the Central Command (CENTCOM) area, alongside about 17 warships in total.
According to officials cited by CNN, the deployed forces can conduct large-scale operations against Iran within 96 hours of a presidential order.
Despite this military might, President Trump ruled out immediate new attacks as long as negotiations progress, though he confirmed the three carriers are "fully prepared."
The G7 meeting in Paris, scheduled for this Monday and Tuesday, places the conflict with Iran as a primary agenda item, with few signs that either side is willing to compromise.
Key Questions About the Iran Conflict
What is the "two-day plan" proposed by Iran?
The "two-day plan" is Iran's proposal which includes lifting the naval blockade, suspending oil sanctions, releasing frozen assets, reducing U.S. military presence in the Middle East, and implementing a comprehensive ceasefire including Israeli operations in Lebanon.
How has the U.S. responded to Iran's demands?
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has dismissed Iran's demands as unacceptable, bizarre, and unrealistic, indicating no diplomatic progress is currently viable.
What military actions have the U.S. taken in response to the conflict with Iran?
The U.S. conducted limited strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island after a confrontation with the Revolutionary Guard and has deployed a significant military presence in the region, including three aircraft carrier groups.