Rubio: We will not allow threats to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz; negotiations with Iran are contingent on seriousness
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that the United States remains open to negotiations with Iran, but it will not stand idly by in the face of any threat to freedom of navigation or the security of ships in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that Washington possesses “many options” to protect its interests and those of its allies.
Rubio told reporters following his meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Manila that Iranian officials had contacted the United States in an attempt to negotiate regarding the current escalation. However, he expressed skepticism about the viability of talks, accusing Tehran of failing to honor its commitments and noting that the memorandum of understanding between the two sides was breached less than two weeks after its signing.
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He added that Iran is facing difficult circumstances amid inflation and the repercussions of the escalation on its economy, while reaffirming that the United States continues to defend freedom of navigation and is working to limit Iran’s ability to target ships and threaten trade flows in the Strait of Hormuz.
Rubio stressed that his country would not accept any state’s control over international sea lanes, calling on Iran to commit to keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and ensuring freedom of navigation. He emphasized that attacks targeting ships in the strait affect a large number of countries.
On the nuclear issue, the US Secretary of State clarified that Washington seeks a diplomatic solution that ensures Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons, but he pointed to the continued lack of trust in the Iranian regime.
In this context, Rubio said that China had made clear it does not support imposing fees on the transit of any international waterway, such as the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that Beijing has not taken steps that would alter the course of the conflict with Iran, despite cooperation on certain files.
He also affirmed that the United States is monitoring any threats to navigation in the Red Sea, considering Houthi threats to impose a naval blockade as a problem, and asserting that Iran is behind instigating these threats.
Regarding the situation in Syria, Rubio described Hezbollah as posing a threat to the Syrian government, accusing the group of attempting to undermine it.
