Rubio Says U.S. Ready for Diplomacy but Accuses Iran of Using Strait of Hormuz as Leverage
WASHINGTON:U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States remains open to diplomacy with Iran but stressed that any negotiations must be based on genuine commitments and compliance with agreements.
Speaking before departing for the ASEAN meeting in the Philippines, Rubio said Washington is always prepared to pursue a diplomatic solution to tensions with Tehran.
He emphasized that any agreement would lose its effectiveness if Iran failed to comply with its terms, adding that the United States has made several attempts to reach an understanding with Iran and will continue those efforts.
Rubio also accused Iran of using the **Strait of Hormuz** as a source of pressure, saying the United States would continue taking the necessary steps to safeguard international shipping through the strategic waterway.
He added that protecting global maritime security should not be the responsibility of the United States alone, calling on other countries to share the burden through military support, equipment, or financial assistance.
