Washington, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that the United States remains willing to pursue diplomacy with Iran despite the ongoing military confrontation between the two countries. His remarks come as U.S. forces continue airstrikes against Iranian military targets and tensions across the Middle East remain high.
Speaking to reporters, Rubio stressed that President Donald Trump’s administration prefers a diplomatic solution, but said any negotiations must be based on Iran’s willingness to change its behavior. He stated that the U.S. will not accept talks that allow Iran to continue threatening regional security or attacking international shipping routes.
Rubio said Iran has the opportunity to reduce tensions by stopping attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, ending support for regional armed groups, and returning to meaningful negotiations over its nuclear program. According to Rubio, Washington is prepared to engage in diplomacy if Tehran demonstrates genuine commitment to peace and complies with international obligations.
At the same time, Rubio made it clear that the United States will continue military operations as long as American forces and allies remain under threat. He said recent U.S. airstrikes were aimed at weakening Iran’s military infrastructure and protecting U.S. personnel and international trade routes in the Gulf region.
The Secretary of State also urged American allies and regional partners to support diplomatic efforts while maintaining pressure on Iran to avoid further escalation. He said the United States is working closely with European and Middle Eastern governments to prevent the conflict from expanding into a wider regional war.
Iran has not officially accepted Rubio’s latest call for diplomacy. Iranian officials continue to condemn the U.S. strikes, describing them as violations of international law, while insisting that any future negotiations must be conducted without military pressure.
Rubio’s comments come amid growing international concern over the conflict’s impact on global energy markets, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and regional stability. Diplomatic efforts led by several countries are continuing in an attempt to secure a ceasefire and reopen dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
