Iran Violated the Agreement, but the Door to Talks Remains Open: U.S. Secretary of State

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the United States remains committed to seeking a diplomatic solution with Iran, even after accusing Tehran of violating an understanding designed to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews before departing for the Philippines to attend the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Rubio said Iran had been expected to keep the strategic waterway open to commercial shipping and refrain from attacking vessels.

However, Rubio alleged that Iran attacked three commercial ships late last week, effectively undermining the understanding between the two sides.

“I think we’re always open to diplomacy,” Rubio said. “It has to be real. It has to be a deal that they’re willing to live by.”

When asked whether the memorandum of understanding was effectively dead, Rubio replied that Iran’s actions had already answered that question.

He said the Strait of Hormuz should remain open, free from attacks and interference, and argued that continued attacks on commercial shipping are incompatible with the agreement.

Despite the accusations, Rubio emphasized that Washington has not closed the door on diplomacy.

“The United States always remains open to a diplomatic solution,” he said, adding that Iran’s behavior would need to change before the U.S. reconsidered its current approach.