Iran to US: Drop "Illegal Demands" or Talks Will Fail

Iran stated on Tuesday that the success of recent diplomatic talks with the United States depends entirely on Washington abandoning what it calls "illegal demands." The discussions, held in Islamabad, covered several critical issues. These included security in the vital Strait of Hormuz, Iran's nuclear program, and the issue of war reparations. A spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry delivered the blunt condition. He did not specify what the "illegal demands" were. The statement signals a major potential obstacle to resolving long-standing tensions. It places direct responsibility for the next steps on the United States.