ROME — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday that the United States is awaiting a response from Iran that could determine whether a more serious diplomatic process can move forward, while warning that Washington will not accept Iranian efforts to control an international waterway.
Speaking to reporters May 8 at the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See in Rome, Rubio said the United States was expecting a response from Iran sometime that day. He said he hoped Iran’s answer would be serious enough to allow negotiations to continue, but he also criticized reports that Iran was seeking to establish control over traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
Rubio called such a move unacceptable and said the United States is pushing a United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at preventing Iran from mining or controlling the strait. He said humanitarian aid has also been trapped inside the Persian Gulf and needs to be allowed to move.
Rubio’s comments came during a wide-ranging press briefing following meetings in Rome, including with Pope Leo and Italian leaders. Rubio described his meeting with the pope as cordial and productive, saying the two discussed Iran, Cuba, Africa, Lebanon, the Western Hemisphere and humanitarian issues.
Rubio said the Catholic Church remains an important partner for the United States in delivering humanitarian aid in several parts of the world. He cited Cuba as one example, saying U.S. humanitarian aid has been distributed there through Caritas, the Catholic Church’s aid agency.
On Iran, Rubio said the United States and others broadly agree that Iran should not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon, but he said the question is what steps should be taken to prevent that outcome. He defended recent U.S. actions against Iranian military assets and said U.S. forces would respond if fired upon.
Rubio said Operation Epic Fury, which he described as an offensive operation aimed at Iranian missile launchers, naval assets, air force capabilities and factories, had ended. However, he said U.S. ships had recently responded defensively after being targeted by Iranian fire in international waters.
Rubio also addressed NATO and U.S. troop deployments in Europe. He said no final decisions had been made on broader troop changes, but he criticized some NATO countries for denying the United States use of bases during a recent contingency. Rubio said President Donald Trump would ultimately decide whether changes are needed to U.S. military posture in Europe.
On Lebanon, Rubio said the United States expects additional talks involving Israel and Lebanon, though he did not confirm an exact date. He said the United States wants a stronger Lebanese government and accused Hezbollah of destabilizing Lebanon and threatening Israel.
Rubio also discussed Ukraine, saying U.S. efforts to mediate between Russia and Ukraine have stagnated. He said Washington remains willing to help bring the war to a diplomatic end if circumstances become more productive.
The secretary also touched on Sudan, calling the conflict one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Rubio said the United States remains engaged in efforts to secure humanitarian access and push the parties toward a broader peace deal.