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US Iran tensions continued to escalate on Wednesday as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington remains open to negotiations but believes Tehran is not serious about reaching a diplomatic solution.
Speaking at a meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers in Manila, Rubio said the United States remains committed to diplomacy but will protect its interests and those of its allies if negotiations fail.
“The problem we’re having right now is that they’re not serious about talks. If they’re serious, we’re serious. If they’re not, then we will do what’s necessary to protect our interests, and also the interests of our allies,” Rubio said.
Rubio’s remarks came as the conflict disrupted two of the world’s most important energy routes.
Three oil tankers carrying Saudi crude to Asia reversed course in the Red Sea after Yemen’s Houthi movement announced a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia.
Iran has also continued to threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, increasing concerns over global energy supplies.
Rubio warned that allowing any country to control an international waterway would set a dangerous precedent.
He said such actions could threaten global trade and create similar disputes in other regions, including the South China Sea.
Despite the ongoing fighting, diplomatic contacts remain active.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that mediators had proposed a 10-day ceasefire to preserve the interim truce agreed between Washington and Tehran in June.
Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni also visited Pakistan, asking Islamabad to continue mediation efforts aimed at reducing tensions.
The US military carried out an 11th consecutive night of airstrikes against Iranian military targets.
Explosions were reported in Tehran, Bushehr, Chabahar, Konarak and parts of Ilam Province, according to Iranian media.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces targeted military operations centres, drone storage facilities, aircraft hangars, logistics infrastructure and maritime capabilities.
The military said the operation aimed to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran said it launched new drone attacks against US military facilities in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait.
Iranian state media reported strikes on Al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan, Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain and Camp Doha in Kuwait.
Officials in Jordan and Bahrain said their air defence systems intercepted several missiles and drones. Kuwait did not immediately comment on the reported attack.
President Donald Trump confirmed that 18 US service members have died since the conflict began, including four soldiers killed in recent attacks in Jordan and Iraq.
Iran’s Health Ministry said recent US strikes have killed 50 civilians and injured 500 others.
The conflict has also affected global energy markets.
Brent crude traded above $91 a barrel, while US gasoline prices climbed above $4 per gallon.
French shipping company CMA CGM announced an emergency surcharge of $65 to $165 per container, citing higher fuel costs linked to rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Houthis warned they would target ships transporting Saudi oil through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, also known as the “Gate of Tears.”
Three Saudi oil tankers carrying cargoes for China and India turned back in the Red Sea after the warning.
President Trump said the Houthis had not yet blocked the strategic waterway but warned the United States would respond if they did.
The conflict began on 28 February after US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Since then, hostilities have spread across the Middle East, raising fears of a wider regional war and increasing pressure on global energy markets.
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