Iran 'not serious' about talks, US remains open to Middle East negotiations, Rubio says

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed skepticism regarding Iran's commitment to nuclear negotiations, stating that Tehran is "not serious about talks." Despite this, Rubio affirmed the United States' continued willingness to engage in diplomacy to resolve the crisis.

The ongoing conflict has significantly impacted global energy supplies, disrupting two critical chokepoints. Three oil tankers carrying Saudi crude to Asia reportedly reversed course in the Red Sea following threats from Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis. The Houthis, who control the Red Sea's mouth, declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, potentially escalating the regional war.

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The problem we're having right now is that they're not serious about talks. If they're serious, we're serious. If they're not, then we will do what's necessary to protect our interests, and also the interests of our allies.

Rubio emphasized that Iran cannot be permitted to control the Strait of Hormuz, warning that such an action would set a dangerous global precedent. He drew parallels to territorial disputes in the South China Sea, suggesting that allowing one nation to control an international waterway could lead to similar actions elsewhere. Meanwhile, the U.S. military conducted its eleventh consecutive night of airstrikes across Iran, prompting Tehran to activate its air defenses.

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If we create a precedent in the Middle East where a nation state can decide that they are going to control an international waterway, charge a toll, and if you don't pay them, blow up your ships, we have created a very dangerous precedent, which will repeat itself in other parts of the world, including in this region.