On Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States remains open to negotiations with Iran but warned there "will be consequences" if Tehran continues to violate its commitments. Speaking at the ASEAN Summit in the Philippines, Rubio highlighted concerns about Iran's demands for illegal control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital international waterway.

Rubio noted that if a precedent is set where a nation-state controls an international waterway and attacks ships that do not comply, it would create a dangerous global precedent threatening the rules underpinning 150 years of international trade and commerce. He stressed that such a threat endangers the global economy and cannot be allowed to happen.

His remarks came as the U.S. and Iran passed the halfway point of a 60-day negotiating window established under a June 17 memorandum of understanding addressing Iran's nuclear and missile programs, sanctions, and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio questioned whether Iran is negotiating in good faith, stating, "The problem we're having right now is they're not serious about talks. If they're not, then we will do what is necessary to protect our interests and also the interests of our allies."

Rubio also echoed the president's stance, affirming that while the U.S. remains prepared to negotiate, military force remains an option. He emphasized the importance of consequences, saying, "If these consequences didn't exist, then today we would be living in a world where a significant percentage of the energy supply in this region and 20% of the world's energy supply is being held hostage by a rogue regime."

Sources