U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the United States is still willing to negotiate an end to the Iran crisis, but he argues Tehran is not taking diplomacy seriously. Rubio makes the comments during a meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers in Manila, characterizing the current posture of talks as lacking good faith from Iran. Multiple reports also note that regional mediators propose a short ceasefire—described as a ten-day pause—to enable renewed negotiations.
Rubio’s remarks come as fighting across the Gulf region disrupts major energy corridors. Sources describe threats and attacks involving Iran-aligned actors that affect shipping, including threats linked to the Red Sea. In particular, reporting says oil tankers carrying Saudi crude reverse course or face disruption amid warnings from Yemen’s Houthi forces, who are described as controlling parts of the Red Sea approach. The coverage also references broader regional instability tied to conflict that began in late February, involving U.S. and Israeli actions related to Iran. Rubio also says the United States will take steps to protect its interests if Iran does not engage seriously in diplomacy.
