Rubio says Washington open to Iran talks, warns it will protect US and allies' interests
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that Washington remains open to talks with Iran but will protect its interests and those of its allies if Tehran is not serious about negotiations.
"If they're serious, we're serious. If they're not, then we will do what is necessary to protect our interests and the interests of our allies," he said at the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with the United States.
Rubio also disclosed that Tehran has sought to reopen dialogue. "Iran has been reaching out to the United States, both directly and indirectly," he said. "Unfortunately, so far, even though we have reached agreements, they have not kept their commitments."
"It's a very fundamental principle about freedom of navigation,” he said, emphasizing the broader implications of the Strait of Hormuz. “If that is threatened, then I think the global economy is threatened and the rules which have underpinned 150 years of international trade and commerce are also threatened."
