- “If they are serious, we are serious,” Rubio said. “If they are not, we will take the necessary measures to protect our interests and the interests of our allies.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that Washington remains open to negotiations with Iran over the escalating conflict in the Middle East but questioned Tehran’s willingness to engage in meaningful diplomacy.
Speaking during a meeting with foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Manila, Rubio said the United States was prepared to pursue dialogue if Iran demonstrated genuine commitment to negotiations.
“If they are serious, we are serious,” Rubio said. “If they are not, we will take the necessary measures to protect our interests and the interests of our allies.”
Rubio also warned against any attempt by Iran to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz, describing such a move as a threat to international maritime security with implications far beyond the Middle East.
“If we establish a precedent that allows one country to control an international waterway, impose transit fees or threaten commercial shipping, it would create a dangerous model that could be replicated elsewhere in the world,” he said.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, carrying a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports.
Rubio’s remarks came as military tensions in the region remain elevated and diplomatic efforts continue to prevent further escalation.
Meanwhile, ASEAN foreign ministers expressed deep concern over the renewed fighting in the Middle East, urging restraint and emphasizing the importance of dialogue to preserve regional and international stability.
