US Warns Iran Is Not Serious About Ending War as Conflict Escalates
251 Min Read
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that Iran is not showing genuine commitment to negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, as Washington signals it is prepared to take further action if diplomatic efforts fail.
Speaking in Manila during a meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers, Rubio said the US remained open to talks but would respond if Tehran was not serious about reaching an agreement. “If they’re serious, we’re serious,” he said, while warning that Washington would continue to protect its interests and those of its allies.
The comments come as the war continues to widen, with attacks extending beyond Iran’s borders and threatening key energy infrastructure across the region. Iran has targeted vital water desalination and energy facilities in Kuwait and says it has struck US military assets in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan.
Tensions have also intensified around global shipping routes, with Iran threatening traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis threatening Saudi oil shipments through the Red Sea.
Mediators are pushing for a temporary ceasefire proposal, with analysts suggesting Tehran may be seeking to strengthen its position ahead of possible talks. However, Rubio’s comments indicate that Washington remains sceptical about Iran’s intentions, raising further uncertainty over whether diplomacy can halt the escalating conflict.
