Manila, Philippines, July 22 (ANI): On the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meetings in Manila, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday to coordinate strategies on rising tensions in the Middle East and security in the Indo-Pacific.
During the meeting, Motegi underscored the urgency of de-escalating tensions involving Iran. He emphasized the importance of ensuring free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor for global energy supplies, without additional transit or security costs.
“Minister MOTEGI and Secretary Rubio exchanged views on the situation surrounding Iran. Minister MOTEGI emphasized the importance of de-escalating the situation as soon as possible and ensuring free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz without additional costs,” Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.
The two diplomats also held broad discussions on security and strategic cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.
Concluding their meeting, Motegi and Rubio reaffirmed that Japan and the United States would maintain close communication and coordinate their responses to developments in both the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific.
“They also exchanged views on issues related to the Indo-Pacific. They confirmed that they would maintain close communication in responding to developments in the international situations surrounding Iran and the Indo-Pacific,” the release added.
Meanwhile, Rubio accused Iran of failing to honor commitments made during negotiations with Washington last month, saying Tehran was “not serious about talks.” He also warned that allowing Iran to control the Strait of Hormuz would set a “very dangerous precedent” for international trade and freedom of navigation.
Speaking at the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with the United States in Manila, Rubio said Washington remained committed to diplomacy and was willing to pursue a negotiated resolution with Iran.
Reiterating the U.S. position, Rubio said Washington remained open to diplomacy but warned there would be consequences if agreements were not honored.
“The United States remains open and willing to engage in positive, constructive negotiations and talks so long as the commitments that are made are kept. And when those commitments are not kept, which is what’s happened in this particular case, then there will be consequences,” he said.
The remarks came as tensions between Iran and the United States escalated following the collapse of the 14-point memorandum of understanding signed last month to end hostilities and pave the way for further negotiations, particularly on Iran’s nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz.
The collapse renewed conflict in West Asia, with the United States striking Iranian military and civilian assets and Iran launching retaliatory attacks on U.S. bases across the Gulf.
Also on Tuesday, the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting reaffirmed the group’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and reiterated its “unwavering support” for ASEAN unity and centrality as the four countries discussed regional challenges and cooperation priorities.
The meeting was held in Manila on the sidelines of ASEAN-related ministerial engagements, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in attendance. (ANI)
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