Iran Is Begging for a Deal, Says U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio
MANILA: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned Iran that it will face consequences if it is not serious about negotiations and reaching an agreement with Washington, claiming that Tehran has repeatedly sought contact and is “begging for a deal.”
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings in Manila, the Philippine capital, Rubio said the United States remains open to diplomacy and dialogue with Iran but stressed that Tehran must change its current course of action.
“The United States does not want to close the door on diplomacy,” Rubio said, adding that Iran’s actions do not indicate that it is genuinely committed to reaching an agreement. He maintained that if Iran truly desires negotiations, Washington is prepared to engage in talks.
Rubio stated that Iran is paying an increasing price every night for its actions and warned that the situation would continue unless Tehran changes its behavior. He added that if diplomatic efforts fail, the United States will take the necessary steps to protect its interests and those of its allies.
The U.S. Secretary of State further alleged that Iran has repeatedly entered into agreements only to later withdraw from its commitments, emphasizing that the international community must judge Tehran by its actions rather than its statements.
Addressing regional security issues, Rubio expressed hope that Yemen’s Houthi movement would cease attacks on commercial vessels, noting that such incidents are disrupting global trade and energy supplies.
He also raised concerns over China’s growing activities in the South China Sea, saying that the United States will continue working closely with its allies and partners to maintain stability in the region.
Rubio’s remarks come amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran, while security developments in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, and the broader Middle East remain under close international scrutiny.
