Rubio: US open to dialogue, but Iran not serious in negotiations

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that the United States is open to dialogue regarding the conflict in the Middle East and is prepared to negotiate and resolve differences with Iran, but Tehran is not serious about the negotiations.

Rubio pointed out that Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz sets a highly dangerous precedent, warning that closing international waterways threatens global trade and that its repercussions could extend beyond the Middle East to other regions of the world, including Asia.

Rubio added during a meeting with his counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Manila, “If they are serious, we are serious. If they are not, we will take the necessary steps to protect our interests, as well as those of our allies.”