US Secretary of State: Despite its boasts, Iran is suffering greatly and will continue to do so

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, on Thursday in the Philippines on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Rubio told reporters that he had a “good and candid” conversation with Lavrov, emphasizing that Washington is ready to play a constructive role in helping to end the war in Ukraine.

Rubio added, “We are ready to play a constructive role in helping to bring an end to this senseless war and are prepared to do so,” without disclosing details of the talks with Lavrov.

Russia did not immediately issue a statement, while Lavrov largely ignored reporters’ shouted questions after leaving the room.

US efforts to mediate an end to the Russian-Ukrainian war have waned amid stalled indirect talks, as the conflict with Iran has taken center stage.

The US Secretary of State said Iran is probably not ready to strike a deal but may be ready soon.

Rubio added that despite Iran’s boasting, it is suffering greatly and will continue to do so, affirming, “We are committed on our part to an agreement with Iran, and they may change their minds within days.”

Rubio expressed hope that the Houthis would de-escalate after being misled by Iran.

In a separate matter, the US Secretary of State said the International Criminal Court is composed of “lunatics and mentally disturbed individuals,” and that it is impossible for any American political or military official to be tried before it, because the United States is not a signatory to the treaty establishing the court.

He told reporters in Manila, “If people want to sign up and join that foolish organization, let them. But we will not be part of it, and they will not be able to apply their jurisdiction to Americans.”