Rubio says Iran not serious about making deal despite mounting losses

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed skepticism regarding the potential for a diplomatic breakthrough with Iran during remarks made on Thursday in Manila. Speaking on the sidelines of the ASEAN conference, Rubio suggested that Tehran has shown little interest in negotiating in good faith, asserting that the Iranian leadership has a history of reneging on or attempting to unilaterally alter agreements once they are established.

According to the Saudi Gazette, Rubio stated that the Iranian government would continue to face significant consequences for its recent actions, noting that the country is currently suffering from mounting losses. The Secretary of State emphasized that the United States has remained committed to its obligations under previous agreements, contrasting this with his assessment of Tehran's diplomatic conduct. He indicated that the current pressure campaign is intended to force a change in Iran's strategic calculations.

The comments come amid a period of heightened regional instability, with international wires reporting ongoing US military strikes targeting Iranian-linked interests and infrastructure. As diplomatic efforts continue in the margins of the ASEAN summit, the US remains focused on addressing what it describes as Iran's destabilizing activities in the region. Rubio’s remarks reflect the current administration's firm stance, suggesting that any future de-escalation remains contingent upon a fundamental shift in Tehran's approach to international commitments.