US does not believe Iran serious about negotiations — Rubio

What the report says

The Independent Uganda, citing TASS, reported that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is unconvinced that Iran is serious about negotiations over the current armed conflict. Rubio made the remarks during a meeting of foreign ministers from Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states in Manila, according to the report, which was published July 22, 2026.

Rubio said Tehran had contacted the United States both directly and through intermediaries about possible talks to settle differences linked to the conflict. However, he said the U.S. view was that Iran was not approaching the process seriously. He added that if Iran showed seriousness, Washington would also be prepared to engage, while warning that the United States would act to protect its interests and those of its allies if diplomacy did not progress.

The report also gave background on the conflict, stating that the United States and Israel began a war against Iran on February 28. It said Washington and Tehran later signed a memorandum of understanding in June calling for an immediate halt to hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon. According to the same account, the United States resumed large-scale strikes on Iran on July 8 after accusing Tehran of breaching terms related to the Strait of Hormuz.

The remarks matter because they point to continued uncertainty over whether diplomatic channels can reduce a wider regional confrontation. The article did not include a response from Iranian officials to Rubio’s comments.