Rubio Says Iran Not Serious About Peace
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Iran of not being serious about peace negotiations, as Washington completed its 11th night of attacks on Iranian targets.
At a meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers in the Philippines, Rubio emphasized that the US remains open to a diplomatic solution. However, he said Iran has not shown the same commitment to de-escalating the conflict.
Rubio also warned that Iran must not be able to control the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. He argued that if this were allowed to happen, it could set a dangerous precedent for other global trade routes, including the South China Sea.
Diplomatic efforts are still ongoing. Mediators are reportedly trying to revive a temporary agreement between the US and Iran, including a proposed 10-day ceasefire. However, US President Donald Trump has signaled pessimism, saying Washington is not interested in meeting Iran anytime soon.
On the front line, tensions continue to escalate. The US has again attacked Iranian targets, while Trump has threatened to hit the suspected nuclear facility on Pickaxe Mountain. Iran has retaliated by warning that any attack on its nuclear facilities would trigger a massive escalation of the war.
Risks are also spreading to global energy routes. Iran has reportedly attacked US military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, as well as tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the Iran-backed Houthis have threatened vessels loading or unloading Saudi oil, opening new risks to the Bab el-Mandeb route to the Red Sea.
As a result, oil prices have the potential to remain high due to the increasing risk of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Red Sea. A surge in oil prices could trigger renewed inflation concerns, boost expectations of higher interest rates, and support the US dollar. For gold, sentiment could be two-way: conflict supports the safe haven, but rising dollar and US yields could limit the XAU/USD rally. (arl)
Source: Newsmaker.id
