Rubio calls Iran's demands 'outrageous' as US strikes Qeshm Island

US forces struck a site on Iran's Qeshm Island overnight, Iranian officials said, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio said talks with Tehran were not close to a breakthrough.

US forces struck an area on Iran's Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz late Sunday, according to Iranian officials, who said the attack caused no casualties and no damage to critical infrastructure. Iranian state media reported that four explosions were heard on the island.

"The area attacked by the US military on Qeshm Island was located outside residential and commercial zones, as well as service infrastructure," said Ahmad Nafisi, deputy governor of Hormozgan province for political and security affairs. He said the situation was under control and that rescue and law enforcement agencies had been placed on full alert.

The Portuguese castle on Qeshm Island (file photo)

Speaking to reporters in Florida on Sunday, Rubio said, "I wouldn't say we're at the verge of a breakthrough." He said President Donald Trump preferred a diplomatic solution, but that Iranian demands were "not just unacceptable, but in some cases, outrageous and ridiculous and really not realistic." Rubio defended the war, saying Trump had "identified a very real threat" and that the decision "isn't necessarily popular, but necessary."

Trump told CNN in a phone interview that as long as Washington saw progress and Tehran signed a "strong agreement," it was "highly unlikely" the US would need to resume strikes. He is scheduled to meet Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at the White House on Monday, as Tehran reviews Qatari proposals aimed at bridging differences.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said it was "time for the White House to make its own" choice after the US midterm elections, adding that Tehran's offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days stood if its conditions, including an end to the war on all fronts, were met. "Or choose war, and see our alert and battle-hardened Warriors rain down hell," he said.

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