The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman argued it was reasonable for Tehran to require Washington to lift the US blockade and remove sanctions before peace negotiations resume. The statement followed Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissing Iran’s demands as “really not realistic.”

Earlier this month, Iran offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and enter peace talks with the US within two days of the US meeting seven conditions, including removing sanctions and removing the blockade. On Sunday, Rubio, who also serves as President Donald Trump’s National Security Adviser, said those conditions were outrageous. 

“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,” he said. “I wouldn’t say we’re on the verge of a breakthrough. The President would always prefer to solve this and every problem diplomatically.  Sometimes that’s not possible, unfortunately.”

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei responded to the remarks on Monday. “Is it unreasonable that ​Iran demands that US illegal sanctions ⁠and its naval blockade must be lifted ​before negotiations start and that the war should ​end on all fronts?” he asked rhetorically. 

Qatar is attempting to mediate talks between the US and Iran to end the war. President Trump has threatened to escalate the war against Iran if a deal cannot be reached. 

There are no signs that Trump plans to end the blockade of Iran. On Saturday, Reuters reported that US Central Command (CENTCOM) had established Task Force Iron Gate to disrupt Iranian imports.

“On November 7, the commander of CENTCOM directed the establishment of a task force that will support ongoing US government efforts to prevent Iran from using ground routes to transport advanced weapons and other materials,” a statement from CENTCOM said. 

A senior Emirati official, Anwar Gargash, warned on Monday that the Middle East could face a prolonged period of instability if the war continues without a settlement. “We should … prepare for a long period of uncertainty in which neither a decisive resolution nor stable regional ​order can be taken for granted,” he said. 

While the war has dropped in intensity from the first months of the conflict, the US continues to strike Iran, and Iran attacks ships attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, the Treasury Department sanctioned more than a dozen companies and individuals accused of violating US sanctions on Iran.