US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Thursday that Iran is privately pressing Washington for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict, but Tehran remains unwilling to accept terms that would end the hostilities. Speaking to reporters during an ASEAN foreign ministers meeting in Manila, Rubio described the Iranian leadership as internally conflicted over negotiations while the United States maintains its military campaign. Main Developments Rubio characterized Iran's approach as contradictory, saying Tehran is “begging us, both directly and indirectly, ‘Let’s do a deal. Let’s talk,’” but then either breaks agreements or seeks to alter them. “Every time they make a deal, the people in charge either break it or they want to change it. So it looks like they’re not ready to make a deal, so they’re going to continue to pay a price, and every night the price gets higher and higher,” he said. The US has conducted 12 consecutive nights of airstrikes against Iran, targeting what Washington describes as degrading the Iranian military’s ability to strike vessels in regional waters. Tehran, however, reports that civilian infrastructure has been hit, including a passenger terminal at the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iraq, where two people were killed and others injured. Read also: Thai Crew Sues Ship Owners Over Ignored Iran Warnings in Hormuz Attack In response, Iran has launched attacks on US military assets across the Middle East. Rubio denied that Russia is assisting Iran with its weapons programs and claimed that Yemen’s Houthi movement has been “snookered” by Iran into targeting Saudi Arabia-linked shipping after previously staying out of direct involvement. “I hope that they’ll stop,” he said. Background The US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding last month, but both sides now indicate the agreement is effectively void. Tehran accuses Washington of repeatedly violating the deal, while Rubio insists that Iran’s industrial infrastructure is being “decimated,” causing billions of dollars in damage. He described Iran as “a country run by radical clerics” who are “oblivious” to its economic problems. Rubio argued that Iran could be “the richest country in the Middle East if they wanted to be” but instead funnels money to Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and Shia militias—groups Tehran has long supported across the region. He emphasized that Washington’s central objective remains a denuclearized Iran. “Our number one interest and the threat they pose to the world is these lunatics in possession of a nuclear weapon, and that’s not going to happen,” he said. Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei rejected any justification for the US strikes, writing on X that targeting bridges and power plants amounts to unlawful reprisal and collective punishment under international humanitarian law. He argued that citing superiors’ orders does not shield perpetrators from criminal liability, pointing to the US War Crimes Act and military legal codes. Iran, he said, “stands firm and resolute against lawlessness.” Why It Matters The standoff carries significant implications for regional stability and global energy markets. Rubio’s “head for an eye” rhetoric signals an escalation in US posture, contrasting with Iranian officials’ description of their military policy as “an eye for an eye.” Zeidon Alkinani, founding director of the Arab Perspectives Institute, told Al Jazeera that both sides are using “very similar rhetoric” despite public posturing. “They also want a deal, and the Americans are not serious about a deal. This just indicates that the tit for tat will continue in parallel to the actual conflict on the ground,” he said. The Houthi movement’s recent silence on Iran, according to Alkinani, suggests a reassessment of their position. He noted that Rubio’s comments “might indicate a US willingness to finally negotiate with the Houthis as if the Houthis indicate that they want a new deal that is autonomous” from Tehran. This potential shift could reshape alliances in the region and affect shipping security in critical waterways. What's Next US airstrikes continue for a 13th night, with no indication of a diplomatic breakthrough. Rubio’s remarks suggest Washington will maintain military pressure until Iran demonstrates readiness for a deal that the US considers credible. Tehran’s response—whether through further attacks on US assets or renewed diplomatic overtures—will determine the conflict’s trajectory. The status of the collapsed MoU leaves both sides without a formal framework for negotiations, raising the risk of further escalation.