The US has laid out a set of exacting demands for a new nuclear treaty with Iran, insisting Tehran end its “malign behaviours” in the Middle East in return for waiving all economic sanctions and re-establishing full diplomatic ties.

Mike Pompeo, US secretary of state, listed a dozen concessions the administration was seeking in return for a new pact, including Iran’s disengagement from Syria and Yemen, halting uranium enrichment and stopping development of nuclear-capable missiles.

Mr Pompeo described the demands as “very basic requirements” that were not “unreasonable”. But analysts said that it would be hard for Tehran to agree to them. “It’s completely unrealistic and a total pipe dream; he’s asking for unilateral surrender by the Islamic Republic of Iran,” said Barbara Slavin, Iran expert at the Atlantic Council.