The United States continues airstrikes against Iran while keeping the door open for negotiations to end the conflict. However, it has made it clear that it will not accept Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz and will maintain military pressure.
On July 22, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated at a meeting in Manila related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that "the U.S. is always committed to diplomacy" and that "if Iran is serious about negotiations, the U.S. is ready to engage in dialogue."
Rubio added, "Currently, Iran is not engaging seriously in negotiations," and warned that if Iran does not respond to talks, the U.S. and its allies will take necessary actions to protect their interests.
He emphasized, "We cannot accept Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz," arguing that no country should set a precedent by controlling international waterways and attacking vessels that do not comply with toll demands.
This diplomatic message from the U.S. comes amid ongoing military actions. As of July 21, U.S. forces have conducted airstrikes against Iran for 11 consecutive days, while Iran has retaliated by attacking U.S. military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.
Efforts for a diplomatic resolution are also underway. A senior Iranian official stated that they received a 10-day ceasefire proposal from mediating countries aimed at reviving a temporary truce agreement reached between the U.S. and Iran last month. Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni visited Pakistan, a mediating country, to request continued mediation efforts.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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