US secretary of state: Iran not serious about ending war

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that the United States is open to dialogue regarding the conflict in the Middle East and is prepared to negotiate and resolve differences with Iran, but that Tehran is not serious about negotiations.

Speaking during a meeting with his counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Manila, Rubio added, "If they are serious, we are serious. If not, we will take the necessary measures to protect our interests, as well as those of our allies."

ASEAN foreign ministers expressed deep concern over renewed fighting in the Middle East.