U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered sharp remarks from Rome on Friday, accusing Hezbollah of acting as an Iranian proxy and stressing that Washington’s priority is strengthening the Lebanese state rather than engaging with the group.
Rubio said Washington will not negotiate with Hezbollah, describing the group as “an Iranian proxy” that has been “significantly weakened” amid the ongoing regional escalation.
Rubio stressed that the United States is instead focusing its diplomatic efforts on the Lebanese state and government institutions. “We will not negotiate with Hezbollah and are focusing on the Lebanese government,” Rubio said.
“We have to empower and equip the Lebanese government to be able to confront that threat,” he stressed.
The remarks come as tensions continue to rise across the region, with Washington increasingly linking Hezbollah’s military activity to broader Iranian influence in the Middle East.
Rubio also directly blamed the group for the violence affecting Lebanon, arguing that Hezbollah’s military activities are responsible for exposing the country to continued conflict. “The reason why Lebanon faces bombings is because of Hezbollah,” Rubio stated. “Hezbollah is imposing this on them.”
U.S. warns Iran
Rubio also issued a strong warning to Iran over reports that Tehran may seek to establish greater control over maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes.
“We’ve seen the reporting overnight that Iran has established or is trying to establish some agency that’s going to control traffic in the Straits,” Rubio said. He reiterated that the United States would not allow Iran to interfere with international navigation in the waterway.
The Secretary of State confirmed that Washington is still awaiting a response from Tehran regarding potential negotiations. “We’re expecting a response from them today at some point. We have not received that yet,” he said. “I hope it’s a serious offer, I really do.”
Rubio also addressed recent military exchanges between American and Iranian forces, saying U.S. destroyers operating in international waters came under Iranian fire before responding.
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