US still open to diplomatic solution with Iran if attacks in Strait of Hormuz end, Rubio says

The United States is prepared to engage in diplomatic solutions with Iran, provided the attacks in the Strait of Hormuz cease, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“

It has to be real. It has to be a deal that they're willing to live by.

Rubio told reporters that any potential deal must be "real" and adhered to by Iran. He pointed to Iran's recent attacks on shipping, despite an expected statement promising open waterways, as evidence of its problematic behavior. "Their behavior has to change in order for ours to change," he stated.

He also observed a "growing split" within Iran between hardline extremists who continue to attack the US and other nations, and those more focused on the country's struggling economy. Rubio suggested that if the faction prioritizing Iran's economic well-being gains control, it would represent a "very positive development."

“

Look, Iran, a week ago, was supposed to put out a statement saying that the Straits of Hormuz would be open, that they would no longer attack shipping. And instead of doing that, they attacked three ships. I think that was last Friday or Saturday. So, I mean, their behavior has to change in order for ours to change.

Rubio criticized Iran for prioritizing funding proxy terror organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas over its own citizens' welfare. He argued that funds received through sanctions relief or oil sales should be invested in Iran's development, not in supporting militias.

“

If the guys that want to do something productive for Iran win and take control of that system or take control of the negotiations, that'll be a very positive development.

While the conflict persists and Iran continues to impede passage through the Strait of Hormuz, Rubio emphasized that the US is shouldering the responsibility for global shipping security. "We are basically providing the service of protecting these ships on behalf of the world," he said, adding that the US expects other countries to contribute financially to this effort. He urged the international community to decide whether to allow an "international waterway to be under the control of a country like this," deeming such control illegal and unacceptable.

“

Every penny that this regime there gets, be it through sanctions relief or through the oil they're able to get out, they invested in Hezbollah. They invested in Hamas. They spent billions of dollars supporting militias in Iraq, Hezbollah, and Hamas. They should be spending billions of dollars supporting the people of Iran. They should be spending billions of dollars building their country.