Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on July 22, 2026, that the United States is willing to negotiate with Iran but cautioned that there will be consequences if Iran continues to violate its commitments. Speaking at the ASEAN Summit in the Philippines, Rubio expressed concerns about Iran's sincerity in negotiations. He stated, "If they're serious, we're serious. If they're not, then we will do what is necessary to protect our interests and also the interests of our allies."
Rubio also addressed Iran's claims over controlling shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that allowing such control would create a dangerous precedent for international waterways. He highlighted the importance of the principle of freedom of navigation, stating that threats to this principle could endanger the global economy and established trade rules.
His comments came as the U.S. and Iran reached the halfway point of a 60-day negotiating window regarding Iran's nuclear and missile programs, sanctions, and navigation rights. Despite the ongoing negotiations, tensions remain high, with Iran attacking commercial vessels and U.S. forces conducting strikes against Iranian military targets. Rubio reiterated that while the U.S. is open to negotiations, military action remains a viable option if commitments are not upheld.