US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States remains committed to diplomacy with Iran, but warned that future negotiations depend on Tehran honouring its commitments.
Speaking in Manila, Rubio said Washington is “always committed to diplomacy” and remains “open-minded and always willing to engage” in negotiated settlements. However, he said that despite direct and indirect outreach from Iran, previous agreements had not been upheld, adding that “if they’re serious, we’re serious”, but “if they’re not, then we will do what is necessary to protect our interests and also the interests of our allies”.
Rubio also defended freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that no state has the right to control or charge for passage through an international waterway. He warned that allowing such a precedent would threaten global trade, maritime security and international commerce.
Rubio’s remarks came just hours before the United States launched its 12th consecutive night of strikes against Iranian military targets, as Washington continued its campaign to deter threats to commercial shipping and regional security.
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