Iran has sent “signals” that it is interested in a diplomatic solution to the Middle East conflict, but has not responded to the U.S.-proposed plan to end the war, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said today.
“We haven’t received it yet,” he told reporters after a meeting of his G7 counterparts, referring to Iran’s response. “We have had an exchange of messages and indications coming from the Iranian system – what’s left of it – that suggest a willingness to discuss certain issues,”
Rubio said there has been “progress” in his discussions with US allies on how to prevent Iran from implementing a “toll system” in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. “Not only is it illegal, it’s unacceptable, it’s dangerous for the world, and it’s important that the world has a plan to prevent it,”
The US is not ruling out the possibility of cancelling some of the arms deliveries destined for Ukraine to meet its needs in the war against Iran, Rubio also confirmed, downplaying Russia’s role in the Middle East crisis.
“At the moment nothing has been diverted, but it could happen,” he told reporters. “If we need something for America and it’s American, then we’ll keep it for America first,” he added.
Rubio also attacked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of lying when he states that the US, in order to grant security guarantees to Kiev, makes it a condition that the Ukrainian side makes territorial concessions to Russia.
“It’s a lie. I saw Zelenski say it and it’s sad that he said that because it’s not true,” Rubio said, as negotiations to end the four-year war appear to be at an impasse. “Zelensky has been told that security guarantees will only be given after the end of the war,” he added.
Rubio also said that the United States is concerned about Israeli settler violence in the West Bank and has expressed that view to the Israeli government.
Washington expects the Israeli government to do something about it, he said.
Cuba on the G7 menu
Rubio discussed the situation in Cuba with his G7 counterparts. He said the economy of the island must change and will not change unless the system of government is changed. He also blamed the constant blackouts on Cuba’s decrepit infrastructure.
