US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meeting with his Syrian counterpart, Asaad Hassan al-Shibani.
Rubio says Hezbollah undermining Syria's government
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Rubio warned that the US will defend freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
- He said Iranian officials have sought talks but questioned Tehran's commitment to any agreement.
- Rubio also cited Houthi maritime threats as part of broader Iranian-backed regional destabilization.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined Washington's position on rising Middle East tensions, maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, and diplomatic engagement with Tehran.
Rubio warned that Iran’s efforts to control international shipping lanes -and threats by Houthi forces to impose maritime blockades- pose severe threats to global commerce and freedom of navigation.
Global economic impact
Addressing attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Secretary Rubio stressed that the United States will not permit any single nation to control international choke points or maritime transit corridors.
If we create a precedent in the Middle East where a nation-state can decide to control an international waterway, charge a toll, and blow up your ships if you don't pay, we have created a very dangerous precedent that will repeat itself in other parts of the world, Rubio warned during discussions.
Rubio noted that Iran’s targeting of commercial shipping affects global economies and supply chains, while pointing out that Tehran itself faces severe economic strain, rampant inflation, and internal pressure due to the escalation.
Skepticism over Iran negotiations
Secretary Rubio confirmed that Iranian officials recently reached out to US representatives to discuss de-escalation.
While affirming that Washington remains open to a comprehensive diplomatic settlement -specifically one ensuring Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon- Rubio voiced strong skepticism.
Highlighting a deep deficit of trust, Rubio noted that previous memoranda of understanding were breached by Tehran within less than two weeks of signing.
Additionally, Rubio pointed to regional proxy dynamics, identifying Hezbollah as an active adversary working to undermine the Syrian government and destabilize the surrounding area.
He added that while China has occasionally cooperated on specific diplomatic tracks, Beijing’s actions have not fundamentally altered the trajectory of the broader conflict.
