Marco Rubio claims Iran is insincere in peace talks, as Houthi threats disrupt Red Sea shipping, impacting global oil prices and trade routes.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iran is not serious about talks to end the war, as threats from Yemen's Houthis and Iranian actions have disrupted shipping in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, reports Reuters.
Four Saudi crude tankers bound for Asia reversed course in the Red Sea after threats from the Houthis, a day after three others did the same. Millions of barrels are being diverted to Yanbu port, with the northern Suez Canal route adding weeks to shipments.
US Central Command reported that strikes on Iran have expanded to central and western areas. Tehran claimed attacks on desalination and energy plants in Kuwait, as well as strikes on US assets in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. Rubio informed Southeast Asian ministers in Manila that Washington would act to protect its interests if Iran refused to engage in talks.
Mediators have proposed a 10-day ceasefire. Analysts suggested that Iran's threats to shipping are tactical moves to gain leverage. Pakistan condemned the Houthi threats but urged for dialogue. Iran insisted on maintaining control of the Strait of Hormuz, a position Rubio described as dangerous for global trade.
Oil prices have risen to near six-week highs, with Brent crude close to US$94 a barrel and US gasoline exceeding $4 a gallon. Inflation pressures have mounted worldwide.
US forces bombed Iranian targets for an 11th consecutive night, hitting sites in Bushehr Province near Iran's nuclear plant. Iran claimed it struck US bases in Jordan and Bahrain with drones and missiles. Jordan reported intercepting four drones and six missiles.
President Donald Trump confirmed that 18 US service members had been killed, including four in recent Iranian attacks. He warned the Houthis not to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and renewed threats to attack Iran's nuclear facility at Natanz 'pretty soon.'
