He stated that the regime is saying things while “something else is actually happening.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded his visit to the Middle East on Thursday, stating that the U.S. relationships with Gulf Arab partners are solid.
“The biggest concern is that they really just want to be informed every step along the way as we enter these negotiations at both the technical and political levels,” Secretary Rubio said. “We want them to be involved, and we want the views of all these countries to be reflected. We don’t want to and will not be making any decisions or commitments that in any way undermines the prosperity, stability, or security of our Gulf partners.”
The secretary also responded to reports and claims from the Iranian regime that conflict with the U.S. government’s details surrounding the memorandum of understanding. Of particular concern is the free movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
Secretary Rubio said, “We’ve reached a point now in this where you’re hearing, for example, the Iranians will say one thing, but then something else is actually happening. So here’s what I would tell everybody. It’s now obvious to us, and I think should be obvious to all of you, that the Iranian system is going to continue to produce all sorts of maximalist rhetoric.”
The Secretary of State continued, “What we’re interested in is not their press conferences. What we’re interested in is whether or not ships are moving. If ships are moving as they should be moving, then that’s what we’re going to judge, and that’s what we’re going to react to. If, on the other hand, this rhetoric is backed up by actual ships being threatened and ships are not moving, that’s a violation of the agreement, and we’re going to have a problem with it.”
Media outlets reported a strike on a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz by Iran on Thursday. The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization halted its evacuation plan for stranded ships in the strait, but stated that the attacked vessel was not under the U.N.-coordinated evacuation plan.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Rubio to be prudent in his discussions with foreign ministers and heads of state.
- For U.S. officials as they continue to negotiate the details of the agreement with Iran.
- For wisdom for President Trump and members of his administration as they assess the actions of Iran.
Sources: Townhall, AP News
