Rubio says Iran 'not serious' about talks as US completes 11th night of strikes

Key Points:

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised China for supporting freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz but avoided confirming reports of Chinese military aid to Iran, emphasizing that China's actions have not altered the conflict's trajectory.
• President Donald Trump warned Iran that the U.S. will retaliate against any attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz by bombing Iranian infrastructure, including bridges or power plants near Tehran.
• Rubio stated that several countries have shown interest in helping protect commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, though legal and political hurdles have delayed formal commitments; he highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait for global energy markets.
• Rubio described Iran's economy as severely strained, citing hyperinflation, soaring food prices, and significant damage to its military infrastructure, while affirming the U.S. focus on protecting shipping and degrading Iran's attack capabilities.
• The U.S. completed its 11th consecutive night of strikes against Iranian military targets, aiming to degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping, with CENTCOM highlighting over 30 Iranian attacks on vessels in the past three months.