Iran not taking negotiations seriously, - Rubio

Rubio stated that the US is open to negotiations and accused Tehran of threatening freedom of navigation with its actions in the Strait of Hormuz, Sky News reports.

"The problem we face now is that they are not taking negotiations seriously. If you are serious, we are serious. If not, we will do everything necessary to protect our interests and the interests of our allies," he said.

The US Secretary of State emphasized that under no existing legal framework does Iran have the right to control shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and warned that this could have broader implications worldwide.

"If we create a precedent in the Middle East where a nation-state can decide to control an international waterway, we will create a very dangerous precedent that will be repeated in other parts of the world," he said.

Rubio added that at stake here isn't just the Strait of Hormuz, but the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation.

Photo: whitehouse.gov.