Marco Rubio says Iran is “not serious about making a deal” on negotiations

The United States has conducted airstrikes across southern Iran for twelve consecutive nights, with Iranian officials reporting two deaths and warnings that the conflict is escalating. Speaking at ASEAN meetings in Manila, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Tehran is pleading for an agreement but not genuinely pursuing one, adding that military pressure will continue until Iran alters its approach. Iran rejected those comments, and its army spokesman announced new military strategies to make the campaign unsustainable for Washington. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continued as Iraq’s prime minister visited Tehran, and regional violence spread, including Houthi attacks on Saudi tankers, Israeli operations in Gaza, and a US-brokered security phase in southern Lebanon allowing displaced residents to return.