Secretary of State Rubio: "Iran Wants Agreement... Paying the Price for Breaking It"

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that while Iran currently wants an agreement, it is now paying the price for repeatedly breaking past deals.

Secretary Rubio made these remarks on July 23 (local time) while speaking with reporters in Manila, Philippines, where he was attending the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

He said, "Iran has almost immediately broken or attempted to renegotiate agreements as soon as they are concluded," criticizing, "That is not how you implement an agreement." He continued, "Iran is now paying the price," and added, "In the coming days, they may change their mind after suffering major losses."

Regarding the negotiations between the United States and Iran, Secretary Rubio also noted that Iran strongly desires an agreement. In an interview with NHK, he said, "Iran’s current position shows its desperate wish to reach a deal," pointing out, "They keep reaching out, saying they want an agreement, but once we actually get there, they change their stance or break their promises."

He further stated, "They will be made to pay for that," and commented, "Iran seems not to realize that, without an agreement, it could face a devastating economic collapse. However, in a few days, they may become ready."

Secretary Rubio also commented on the Houthi rebels' move to blockade the Red Sea. He said, "The Houthi rebels have largely avoided interfering in this military conflict, but now it appears that they have been deceived by Iran into attacking Saudi Arabia and related vessels."

He continued, "I hope the Houthi rebels will de-escalate," and added, "Frankly, the Houthis seem to have been misled by Iran and dragged into this situation." On relations with China, he expressed a willingness to cooperate, while emphasizing the principle of protecting allies.

Secretary Rubio stated, "We need to engage with China and want as positive a relationship as possible," but stressed, "We have a role to play and cannot abandon our allies. We have made that very clear."

Regarding worsening relations between China and Japan, he expressed concerns. He said, "China's rhetoric is very aggressive, and it especially seems to target Japan," adding, "The best way to prevent conflict is deterrence, and for that, the United States and Japan must continue to strengthen their relationship."

He also pointed out that China is using not only military threats but also economic tools. Secretary Rubio explained, "China is weaponizing access to key minerals and supply chains, and appears to be targeting Japan more than any other country in the world."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed his position of increasing pressure on Iran by claiming that Iran seeks negotiations under economic pressure, while also reiterating the need to check China’s growing influence abroad.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.