US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Wednesday that Washington is willing to engage in negotiations to end the war with Iran, but accused Tehran of not being serious about talks. Speaking at an ASEAN meeting in Manila, Rubio emphasized that the US remains open to positive and constructive discussions provided commitments are honored.

'The problem we’re having right now is that they’re not serious about talks. If they’re serious, we’re serious. If they’re not, then we will do what’s necessary to protect our interests and also the interests of our allies,' Rubio said in the Philippine capital.

The remarks came as the US launched attacks against Iran for an eleventh consecutive night, with explosions heard in several parts of the country. The ongoing conflict continues to disrupt two of the world's most critical energy transport routes.

Rubio strongly opposed Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz, warning that allowing a nation state to control an international waterway, charge tolls, and attack ships would set a dangerous precedent. He stressed that Iran has no legal basis for such control and that freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle under threat.

Rubio also highlighted the importance of US-ASEAN relations, stating that the security and prosperity of the US and Southeast Asia are closely interconnected, and that the 21st century's story will be written in the region.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump renewed threats to attack Iran's nuclear facilities at Natanz 'pretty soon,' prompting Iran to vow retaliation. Iran's Khatam Al-Anbiya military command warned that such an attack would be considered an expansion of war and could lead to strikes on all US and allied interests.

According to an Iranian health ministry official, 50 people have been killed and 500 wounded in recent US attacks on Iran.

Source: www.aljazeera.com