US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the United States remains ready to engage in diplomatic talks with Iran to help resolve the ongoing regional crisis, but questioned Tehran’s commitment to meaningful negotiations.
Washington, United States – Web Desk: Speaking at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Rubio said Washington has consistently supported diplomacy and remains prepared to negotiate whenever Iran demonstrates genuine willingness to engage.
“Iran has failed to honor previous agreements,” Rubio said, adding that the United States would negotiate seriously if Tehran approaches talks in good faith. Otherwise, he warned, Washington would take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and those of its allies.
Addressing concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, Rubio cautioned that allowing any country to seize control of an international waterway, impose tolls on commercial shipping, or threaten vessels would set a dangerous global precedent. He said such actions could undermine freedom of navigation and disrupt international trade far beyond the Middle East.
Rubio reiterated that the United States seeks a diplomatic solution that ensures Iran never acquires nuclear weapons. However, he said trust between Washington and Tehran remains low, claiming that commitments made under a recent memorandum of understanding were violated within weeks.
The US secretary of state also alleged that China had not taken meaningful steps to alter the course of the conflict involving Iran and had, in some instances, provided support. He further described Iran as the region’s principal source of instability.
