Rubio says Iran ‘begging’ for a deal with US but not ready to make one | US-Israel war on Iran News
Rubio: Iran Seeks Negotiation with U.S., but Not Ready to Accept Terms
Manila, Philippines — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported Thursday that Iran is making private overtures to Washington in hopes of negotiating an end to the ongoing conflict. However, he stated that Iran is not yet prepared to solidify any agreement.
“Iran is begging us, both directly and indirectly, ‘Let’s do a deal. Let’s talk,’” Rubio said during a press briefing at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers’ meeting. He expressed skepticism about Iran’s readiness to commit, citing a history of broken agreements.
Rubio criticized Iran’s leadership, describing the country as “run by radical clerics” who remain detached from significant economic challenges. “Iran can be the richest country in the Middle East if they wanted to be,” he said, noting that the nation diverts resources to support groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and various Shia militias.
When asked about Iran’s assertion of a military policy framed as “an eye for an eye,” Rubio countered with the analogy of a “head for an eye,” emphasizing the high cost Iran would bear for its actions. He alleged that Iran’s industrial infrastructure is facing severe decline, resulting in billions of dollars in damages.
Rubio reaffirmed that the U.S. priority remains a denuclearized Iran, stating, “Our number one interest and the threat they pose to the world is these lunatics in possession of a nuclear weapon, and that’s not going to happen.” He also dismissed claims that Russia has been aiding Iran in its weapons development.
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran intensified recently, with both sides alleging violations of a memorandum of understanding signed last month. Iranian officials argue that the agreement has effectively collapsed.
In a series of attacks over the past week, the U.S. has targeted Iranian military capabilities in the region, claiming these strikes are necessary to protect maritime routes. Iran, however, contends that U.S. strikes have hit civilian infrastructure, including a recent attack on the passenger terminal at the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iraq that resulted in fatalities and injuries.
In response to these strikes, Iran has launched attacks against U.S. military sites across the Middle East. Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, criticized U.S. actions as unlawful reprisal and collective punishment, asserting that they violate international humanitarian law.
“Anyone following orders that are manifestly unlawful is still subject to criminal liability,” Baghaei stated, indicating Iran’s commitment to resist perceived lawlessness.
Analyst Zeidon Alkinani noted that both Iran and the U.S. exhibit similar rhetoric regarding negotiations but maintain conflicting positions. He observed a lack of recent communication from the Houthis, suggesting that the group may be reconsidering its relationship with Iran. Alkinani pointed out that Rubio’s comments could signal a potential shift in U.S. willingness to negotiate with the Houthis independently of Tehran.
