US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is facing growing economic and military pressure as Washington continues operations aimed at safeguarding commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, while stressing that the door remains open to diplomacy.
“Iran’s in a lot of trouble,” Mr Rubio told reporters in Manila, pointing to high inflation, rising food prices and broader economic challenges facing the country.
He said the immediate priority of US policy is ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy transit routes.
Mr Rubio accused Iran of attacking commercial vessels and violating commitments contained in a memorandum of understanding designed to guarantee safe passage through the waterway.
According to the secretary of state, Tehran had been expected to issue a statement reaffirming support for freedom of navigation but instead carried out an attack on a vessel on the day the declaration was due.
“We remain open to diplomacy. We remain open to working it out in a negotiated way,” Mr Rubio said. “But right now, they don’t seem to be serious about that.”
He added that the United States would continue to protect maritime traffic and, when necessary, target capabilities used to threaten international shipping.
