US Secretary of State Rubio Says Iran's Lack of Seriousness Blocks Political Solution

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Iran of not being serious about negotiations during a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers on Wednesday. He identified Iran's lack of seriousness as the main obstacle to resuming diplomatic efforts, stating that this absence impedes any progress toward a political solution.

Rubio affirmed that the United States remains open to initiating talks aimed at overcoming disagreements related to the Middle East conflict. He emphasized Washington's readiness to engage in dialogue and negotiations with Iran to reach a settlement.

He further added that the US is still willing to communicate and negotiate if the necessary will to resolve disputes is present, noting that regional tensions continue amid ongoing military escalations in the area.

Rubio warned that blockades or disruptions of international waterways would set a highly dangerous precedent with potential repercussions extending to other parts of the world, including Asia. He pointed out that any threat to freedom of navigation affects not only the Middle East but also the global economy and international supply chains. He stressed that the rules governing trade and international commerce are under threat and must not be allowed to deteriorate.

These remarks came amid sustained tensions over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for oil and gas worldwide. The United States has repeatedly called for maintaining freedom of navigation and preventing actions that could impact global trade flows.

At the same time, the US Central Command announced the successful completion of the eleventh consecutive night of strikes against Iran. It reported targeting Iranian military operations centers, naval capabilities, aircraft hangars, drone storage facilities, and military logistical infrastructure as part of efforts to continue undermining Iran’s ability to threaten commercial navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The command stated that over the past three months, Iran attacked more than 30 commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. It noted that these unjustified attacks endangered hundreds of civilian sailors and undermined the principle of freedom of navigation. Despite the Iranian escalation, the Central Command confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to commercial shipping. Since early May, US forces have assisted in facilitating the passage of approximately 900 commercial ships and the transport of around 450 million barrels of crude oil through the strait.

Meanwhile, Hassan Qashqavi, spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament’s National Security Committee, claimed that Tehran has not requested negotiations with the United States. An Iranian Interior Ministry spokesperson stated that Pakistan serves as the primary mediator between Iran and the US in negotiations and that any messages regarding talks might be conveyed during the current visit of Minister Eskandar Momeni to Islamabad.