U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the U.S. is willing to negotiate the resolution of the Iranian crisis, but accuses Tehran of a lack of seriousness.

Marco Rubio, the American Secretary of State, stated that the United States is ready to negotiate an end to the conflict with Iran, but criticized Tehran for not taking the discussions seriously. The statements were made in Manila, during a meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers. The current conflict affects essential maritime routes for energy transport, and recently, three Saudi oil tankers carrying crude oil changed direction due to threats from Houthi rebels, supported by Iran. Rubio emphasized that Iran should not control the Strait of Hormuz, warning that such a precedent could have global consequences. In the absence of diplomatic progress, the American military continued bombings against Iran, and oil prices rose in international markets. The Houthi rebels threatened attacks on ships transporting Saudi oil, and President Donald Trump warned that the U.S. would intervene if this route is blocked.