Date: July 22, 2026
By Kimberly Wilson
MANILA/DUBAI — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that the United States remains willing to negotiate an end to the escalating conflict with Iran but accused Tehran of not taking diplomacy seriously, as fighting continues to disrupt two of the world's most important energy shipping routes.
Rubio made the remarks while attending a meeting of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers in Manila, where regional leaders expressed growing concern over the expanding Middle East conflict and its impact on global trade and energy security.
"We have always been committed to diplomacy," Rubio said, adding that Washington remains prepared to negotiate a resolution to the crisis. However, he argued that Iran has shown little indication that it is genuinely interested in meaningful talks to end the conflict.
The diplomatic comments came as the conflict entered another critical phase, with disruptions affecting both the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea—two strategic maritime corridors through which millions of barrels of oil are transported each day.
Tensions intensified after three Saudi oil tankers bound for Asia reportedly turned back in the Red Sea following threats from Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement. The Houthis, who control much of Yemen's Red Sea coastline, announced a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia earlier this week, opening what analysts describe as another front in the regional conflict.
The Red Sea has become increasingly important for global energy shipments as Iran continues threatening commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. With both waterways facing security risks, shipping companies and energy markets are growing increasingly concerned about possible supply disruptions.
Rubio stressed that the United States cannot allow Iran to gain control over the Strait of Hormuz, warning that such a development would undermine international freedom of navigation and threaten global economic stability. He said allowing any nation to dominate one of the world's busiest maritime corridors would set a dangerous international precedent.
Despite Washington's stated willingness to negotiate, military operations have continued. U.S. and allied forces have carried out sustained strikes against Iranian military infrastructure, while Iran and its regional allies have responded with attacks targeting American interests and key shipping routes across the Middle East.
The continuing hostilities have sent shockwaves through global energy markets. Oil prices climbed toward six-week highs, with Brent crude approaching $94 per barrel, while fuel prices also increased in several countries amid concerns over supply security. Analysts warned that prolonged disruptions to maritime trade could further increase transportation costs and inflation worldwide.
Diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions have so far produced little progress. Reports indicate that mediation proposals, including discussions of a temporary ceasefire, have failed to gain sufficient support from the parties involved, leaving the conflict without an immediate path toward de-escalation.
Regional governments continue to monitor the situation closely as security concerns spread beyond Iran and Israel to neighboring Gulf states and vital international shipping lanes. The growing instability has prompted renewed calls from world leaders for restraint and a return to diplomatic engagement before the conflict expands further.
Although Rubio reiterated that diplomacy remains Washington's preferred solution, he warned that the United States would continue to respond to actions that threaten international navigation, regional security, or American interests. He emphasized that meaningful negotiations would require genuine commitment from both sides.
As fighting continues and energy markets remain under pressure, governments, businesses, and consumers around the world are closely watching developments, with fears that further escalation could have significant consequences for global trade, fuel prices, and economic stability.