Marco Rubio: "has been reaching out to the United States, both directly and indirectly, to…"

During an ASEAN meeting in Manila, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that allowing Iran to collect tolls in the Strait of Hormuz would endanger the global economy and set a harmful precedent for other waterways. Rubio made the comment amid rising alarm over the Middle East conflict’s impact on Southeast Asia. He also stated that Iran has contacted the United States, directly and indirectly, seeking negotiations to resolve their disputes, though he offered no sign the US is considering re-engagement. The remarks come as regional officials express concern over energy shocks and territorial disputes, with Rubio separately meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.