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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed that the United States remains open to starting negotiations to overcome differences related to the Middle East conflict, stressing Washington's readiness to engage in dialogue and negotiation with Iran to reach a settlement.

According to statements he made during a meeting of foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Rubio said the main obstacle to resuming the diplomatic path is that Iran is "not serious about talks", considering that the lack of seriousness on Tehran's part hampers any progress toward a political solution.

He added that the United States remains ready to communicate and negotiate if the necessary will to settle differences exists, as regional tensions continue amid military escalation in the area.

Warning of threat to international navigation

In another part of his remarks, Rubio warned that blockading or disrupting international waterways sets an extremely dangerous precedent, the effects of which could extend to other regions of the world, including Asia.

He pointed out that any threat to freedom of navigation affects not only the Middle East region but also the global economy and international supply chains, stressing that the rules of trade and international commerce are under threat and cannot be allowed to happen.

Rubio's remarks come amid continued tensions over navigation security in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important maritime passages for oil and gas transport, amid repeated US calls to maintain freedom of navigation and prevent any actions that could affect global trade.

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