Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US is seeking an extensive agreement with Iran that includes restrictions on Iran’s nuclear and missile program, as well as requiring Tehran to cut ties with its allies in the Middle East. The demands will likely be rejected by Iran. 

“The United States is prepared to meet with them. If the Iranians want to meet, we’re ready. They’ve expressed an interest in meeting and talking,” the Secretary of State said Wednesday. “I’m not sure you can reach a deal with these guys, but we’re going to try to find out.”

Rubio explained that the US is demanding that Iran significantly reduce its national defense. “That includes their sponsorship of terrorist organizations across the region. That includes the nuclear program. And that includes the treatment of their own people,” he added.  

Rubio’s demands match the conditions Israel says must be met for a US-Iran deal.

Tehran has said it is willing to negotiate on limits and inspections for its civilian nuclear program. However, Iranian officials have ruled out eliminating its uranium enrichment program, limiting the range of its missiles, and cutting ties with its allies in the region. 

US and Iranian talks are scheduled to begin on Friday in Oman. Initially, the talks were going to take place in Turkey with negotiators from multiple Middle Eastern countries. However, Tehran requested that the venue be moved and that the talks be limited to the US and Iran. 

The talks appear to be moving ahead despite multiple incidents in the region between the US and Iran on Tuesday. US Central Command reported shooting down an Iranian drone that approached a US aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. Additionally, CENTCOM claimed to prevent Iranian forces from boarding an American cargo ship in the Persian Gulf.