Washington Signals Diplomatic Openness Amid Ongoing Strikes
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared on Wednesday that the United States is prepared to engage in diplomatic negotiations with Iran, but questioned whether the Iranian government is genuinely committed to the process. His remarks came during an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers' meeting held in Manila, Philippines, as the United States launched military strikes against Iran for an eleventh consecutive night.
"The United States remains open and willing to engage in positive and constructive negotiations and discussions, provided that the commitments made are honoured," Rubio told attendees at the gathering in the Philippine capital.
He followed with a pointed message directed at Tehran, stating that the two sides could move forward only if Iran demonstrated genuine seriousness. "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," he said.
Strait of Hormuz at the Center of the Dispute
A significant part of Rubio's address focused on Iran's claimed authority over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which a large share of the world's energy supplies pass. The secretary of state warned that allowing any nation to exert unilateral control over an international waterway would establish a troubling global precedent.
"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," Rubio cautioned.
He was explicit in his legal assessment, arguing that Iran possesses no recognized authority over maritime passage through the strait. "Iran demands the right, which they do not have under any existing legal mechanism, to control the transit of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz," he stated, adding that the principle of freedom of navigation was fundamentally at risk and could not be compromised.
Escalating Military Operations and Casualties
The diplomatic messaging from Rubio coincided with a continued military campaign, as explosions were reported across multiple locations in Iran during the eleventh consecutive night of US attacks. According to a spokesperson from Iran's health ministry, the recent strikes have resulted in at least 50 deaths and approximately 500 injuries.
The ongoing conflict has drawn increasing scrutiny in Washington as well. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced criticism over the military operation, with some officials describing the campaign's management as a failure. Reports have also indicated that the total cost of the war has reached an estimated $37 billion.
Threat of Strikes on Nuclear Facilities Looms
Adding further tension to the situation, US President Donald Trump reiterated threats earlier this week to strike Iran's nuclear facilities at Natanz, suggesting such action could come soon. Trump's remarks prompted a sharp response from Iranian military authorities.
Iran's Khatam Al-Anbiya military command issued a formal statement warning that any attack on nuclear infrastructure would be viewed as a major escalation. The statement indicated that such a move could trigger retaliatory strikes against what it described as "all the interests of America, its allies and supporters." Iran also pledged it would respond to any further expansion of hostilities.
US Eyes Strategic Ties Across Southeast Asia
Beyond the Iran crisis, Rubio used the ASEAN platform to reinforce the importance Washington places on its relationships with Southeast Asian nations. He framed the region as a strategic priority for the United States, arguing that the security and economic prospects of both parties are closely linked.
"I believe very much that the future and the story of the 21st century will be written in this region and by how events unfold here," Rubio said, signaling that US engagement with ASEAN member states goes well beyond the current conflict in the Middle East.
Diplomatic Path Remains Uncertain
While both sides have made public statements alluding to the possibility of negotiations, a clear pathway to de-escalation has yet to emerge. The simultaneous continuation of military strikes and diplomatic overtures reflects the complex and volatile nature of the current US-Iran standoff. With energy routes disrupted, casualties mounting, and the prospect of nuclear facility strikes still on the table, observers remain cautious about the prospects for a near-term resolution.
Source: Al Jazeera
