Iran Reaching Out Privately, Says Rubio, But No Agreement in Sight
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that Iran is quietly reaching out to Washington, seeking a resolution to the escalating conflict between the two countries. However, Rubio suggested that Tehran has so far been unwilling to meet the conditions necessary for any formal agreement to take shape.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers meeting held in Manila, Philippines, Rubio indicated that Iran has been communicating its desire for talks through both direct and indirect channels. Despite those overtures, he expressed skepticism about Iran's sincerity, pointing to what he described as a pattern of making and then undermining prior agreements.
"The problem with Iran is every time they make a deal, the people in charge either break it or they want to change it," Rubio told reporters, suggesting that until Iran demonstrates a genuine commitment, military pressure would continue to mount.
US Describes Aggressive Military Posture
Rubio characterized President Donald Trump's approach to the conflict as going well beyond a simple retaliatory stance. While Iranian officials have framed their own military doctrine as "an eye for an eye," Rubio countered that the United States operates under what he called a "head for an eye" policy, signaling a more forceful and asymmetric response.
He claimed that US strikes were causing severe damage to Iran's industrial infrastructure, estimating the total financial impact at billions of dollars. American military operations have now continued for twelve consecutive nights, with Washington stating that the strikes are intended to reduce Iran's capacity to threaten shipping lanes in the region.
Iran, however, disputes this characterization, asserting that civilian infrastructure has been targeted. Among the most recent incidents, a passenger terminal at the Shalamcheh border crossing between Iran and Iraq was struck, resulting in two fatalities and additional injuries.
Nuclear Ambitions Remain Central Concern
Rubio reiterated that the United States' primary strategic objective in the region is preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. He described the prospect of Iran's current leadership possessing such a capability as an unacceptable global threat, and indicated that this concern remains the driving force behind Washington's military and diplomatic strategy.
He also denied reports that Russia has been assisting Iran with its weapons development programs, and addressed the role of Yemen's Houthi movement in the broader conflict. Rubio suggested the Houthis had been manipulated by Tehran into targeting shipping connected to Saudi Arabia, and expressed hope that the group would step back from further involvement.
Iran Pushes Back on Legality of Strikes
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei responded firmly to the continued US military campaign, arguing that attacks on bridges, power plants, and other civilian infrastructure constitute unlawful reprisals under international humanitarian law. Writing on social media platform X, Baghaei contended that targeting such facilities amounts to collective punishment and that service members are legally obligated to refuse orders they recognize as manifestly unlawful.
The spokesperson referenced both the US War Crimes Act and military legal codes in support of this position, insisting that Iran "stands firm and resolute against lawlessness."
Analysts See Little Sign of Imminent Resolution
The backdrop to these statements includes a memorandum of understanding signed between Washington and Tehran approximately one month ago — an agreement that both sides now appear to regard as effectively defunct, following what Iran describes as repeated US violations.
Analysts observing the situation suggest that while both parties are signaling a desire for some form of negotiated outcome, neither appears prepared to make the concessions necessary to bring one about in the near term.
Zeidon Alkinani, founding director of the Arab Perspectives Institute, told Al Jazeera that both governments are employing similar rhetoric while the conflict on the ground continues to intensify. "This just indicates that the tit for tat will continue in parallel to the actual conflict," he said.
Alkinani also noted a notable shift in the Houthis' recent public messaging, observing a conspicuous absence of references to Iran. He suggested this could signal a recalibration within the group and possibly an openness to a separate arrangement with Washington — one that distances the Houthis from Tehran's direct influence.
Key Points at a Glance
- Rubio says Iran is privately seeking talks but is not prepared to finalize a deal
- US airstrikes on Iran have continued for twelve straight nights
- Washington's stated goal remains a fully denuclearized Iran
- Iran's Foreign Ministry disputes the legality of US strikes on civilian infrastructure
- Analysts suggest both sides want a deal but neither is ready to commit
Source: Al Jazeera
