Marco Rubio briefs US Congress leaders on Iran concerns

Middle Eastern outlets focus on Iran’s complaints that US demands in the talks go beyond the nuclear file and are unfair. They report that Tehran wants sanctions lifted and rejects adding its missile program to the agenda, while still insisting it does not seek nuclear weapons. They also note that US war threats and extra forces in the region raise fears of a wider confrontation if talks fail.

• •Iranian leaders say the United States must drop what Tehran calls “excessive demands” in the nuclear negotiations.
• •Iran’s government insists it is not seeking a nuclear weapon and portrays its nuclear work as peaceful.
• •Tehran refuses to include its ballistic missile program in the talks, arguing that missiles are part of its defense.
• •US President Donald Trump has increased threats of military action against Iran while negotiations resume.
• •Regional media report that extra American forces have been deployed near Iran as talks restart.