US seeks constructive dialogue with Iran, Secretary of State says

The United States hopes to engage in constructive dialogue with Iran and reach a number of agreements with the support of Arab partners, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated, according to TASS.

Speaking at a multilateral meeting with foreign ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council in Bahrain, he said: “The United States, with the help of some gathered around this table here today, are going to pursue the opportunity to enter into constructive dialogue and hopefully agreements with Iran, and we hope it leads to a very positive outcome, that is our hope, that is what we are open to.”

He stressed, however, that Washington was not seeking an agreement at any cost.

Rubio noted that while they want a deal, they want it to be honoured.

According to him, any agreements reached during or after the negotiating process must be respected.

Rubio also reiterated Washington's position that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway and rejected any possibility of Iran charging vessels for passage.

He said no country has the right to impose charges for the use of international waterways, and that will never be an acceptable condition for any agreement.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov