U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that the United States remains willing to negotiate an end to the Iran crisis, but accused Tehran of not being serious about talks. The statement came as the widening conflict disrupted two of the world's key oil shipping routes.
Rubio's remarks were made during a press briefing in Manila, where he is on an official visit. He emphasized that the U.S. is prepared to engage in diplomacy, but only if Iran demonstrates a genuine commitment to resolving the crisis.
The conflict has escalated in recent weeks, with tensions rising over Iran's nuclear program and its support for proxy groups in the region. The disruption to oil shipping routes has raised concerns about global energy supplies and economic stability.
Iran has not yet responded to Rubio's latest comments. The U.S. has previously imposed sanctions on Iran, and the two countries have been at odds over a range of issues, including the 2015 nuclear deal, which the U.S. withdrew from in 2018.
