Rubio says Hezbollah threatens Syria, backs diplomatic solution with Iran
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday said that Lebanese Hezbollah poses a threat to the Syrian government, while reiterating Washington’s willingness to pursue a diplomatic solution with Iran.
Speaking to reporters in Manila after meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Rubio described Hezbollah as an enemy of Syria that is seeking to undermine the country.
Rubio also said Iranian officials had contacted Washington seeking negotiations over the ongoing escalation, but expressed doubts about the prospects for talks, citing what he described as Iran’s failure to honor previous commitments.
“Iran is in a difficult position,” Rubio said, pointing to inflation and the economic impact of the escalation.
On the Strait of Hormuz, Rubio said the United States was defending freedom of navigation and working to limit Iran’s ability to target vessels and disrupt commercial traffic.
He added that Iran must commit to keeping the strategic waterway open and ensuring freedom of navigation, adding that Washington would not accept any country controlling international waterways.
“We want to reach a diplomatic solution with Iran that ensures it does not possess a nuclear weapon,” Rubio said.
Rubio’s remarks came as tensions continued to rise around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route. The U.S. has said its military operations are aimed in part at protecting commercial shipping and freedom of navigation.
The latest comments also followed Rubio’s meeting with Wang in Manila amid heightened regional tensions. Reuters reported that Rubio said Washington remained willing to negotiate with Tehran but questioned Iran’s seriousness about talks.