US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said during a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous precedent with consequences that could go beyond the Middle East.

Rubio told delegations during the meeting in Manila: 'If we set a precedent in the Middle East that allows a country to control an international waterway, impose transit fees, and blow up your ships if you don't pay, then we are setting a very dangerous precedent that will be repeated in other parts of the world, including this region.'

The US Secretary of State said that the United States is open to dialogue on the conflict in the Middle East and is ready to negotiate and settle differences with Iran, but Tehran is not serious about negotiations. He added: 'If they are serious, we are serious. If they are not, we will take the necessary measures to protect our interests and those of our allies as well.'

ASEAN foreign ministers expressed their deep concern over the resumption of hostilities in the Middle East.