Marco Rubio: Iran “Begging” for Negotiations as US Reaffirms Support for Saudi Arabia
WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has claimed that Iran is “begging” for negotiations with the United States, while also accusing Tehran of pushing Yemen’s Houthi rebels into a new front of conflict.
Speaking to the media in Washington, Rubio said the United States would not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons and stressed that Washington remained committed to supporting its allies in the Middle East.
“We are closely monitoring the situation involving the Houthis and Saudi Arabia,” Marco Rubio said, adding that the US hoped Houthi attacks would stop and that Iran should “act wisely.”
US will not abandon allies
Rubio emphasized that the United States would not leave its allies isolated and would continue to provide support where needed. He described Saudi Arabia as a strategic partner of the United States and said Riyadh seeks a peaceful civilian nuclear program.
According to Rubio, Washington is exploring opportunities for additional civil nuclear agreements, but any such arrangement would include strict safeguards and security measures to prevent proliferation risks.
Countries should take greater responsibility for security
The US secretary of state said every government’s first responsibility is to protect its national security. He added that the United States wants all countries to effectively manage their own security responsibilities while maintaining strong partnerships with Washington.
Rubio also noted that President Donald Trump is leading the negotiations with Iran and that the United States considers diplomatic engagement with Tehran important.
China, ASEAN and global conflicts
On broader foreign policy issues, Rubio expressed a desire for positive relations with China and described the ASEAN Regional Forum as an important platform for regional cooperation.
He further stated that conflicts such as the Russia–Ukraine war should be resolved through negotiations and stressed that all parties must honor their international