U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope that during a visit by Iranian representatives to Beijing, China will communicate the need for Iran to cease actions in the Strait of Hormuz that are contributing to its global isolation. Rubio made these remarks during a White House briefing.
“I hope the Chinese will tell them what they need to hear: that what you are doing in the Strait is leading to your global isolation. You guys should not be undermining ships. You should not be laying mines. You should not be holding the global economy hostage,” Rubio stated.
He emphasized that Washington expects Beijing to deliver this message to Tehran, either privately or publicly.
Rubio also addressed the upcoming visit of President Donald Trump to China, asserting that Taiwan will likely be a significant topic of discussion. He noted that both countries are aware of each other’s positions on the matter.
“We know the Chinese understand our position on this issue. We understand theirs. I think both countries recognize that neither is interested in destabilization occurring in this part of the world,” Rubio said.
He indicated that maintaining stability regarding Taiwan or elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific region serves the mutual interests of both the U.S. and China.
Additionally, Rubio touched upon the situation between Israel and Lebanon, asserting that there are no issues between the governments of these countries, and that Israel does not claim Lebanese territory. He expressed the view that a peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon is “inevitably achievable.”
“The problem between Israel and Lebanon is not with Israel or Lebanon, but with Hezbollah,” he added.
On April 11, trilateral talks took place in Islamabad between the U.S. and Iran, mediated by Pakistan. Following these discussions, Vice President Vance stated that no agreement had been reached regarding a long-term cessation of hostilities. The Iranian Foreign Ministry cited disagreements over “two or three key issues” as the reason for the impasse.
Subsequently, Trump announced on April 13 that the U.S. Navy would initiate a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz due to the failure to reach an agreement with Iran concerning nuclear disarmament. He indicated that U.S. military forces would intercept all vessels that had paid transit fees to Iran.
Trump warned Iran that if its military began attacking U.S. naval vessels, the U.S. Navy would retaliate decisively.
On April 18, Iran declared it would restore “strict control” over the Strait of Hormuz in response to the U.S. naval blockade.
By April 20, Trump stated that the likelihood of extending a two-week ceasefire with Iran was very low unless an agreement was reached by the set deadline of April 22.
In the evening of April 21, Trump announced on Truth Social that he would again postpone military action against Iran, citing a request from the Prime Minister of Pakistan and noting that the Iranian government was “seriously divided.” He indicated that the ceasefire would continue until a “unified Iranian proposal” was presented and negotiations were concluded “one way or another.” He confirmed that U.S. military forces would maintain the naval blockade against Iran.
Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB reported that Trump had unilaterally extended the ceasefire, while Iran rejected the conditions proposed by the U.S. for negotiations.
Earlier, Iranian agency Tasnim reported that the Iranian negotiating team had informed the U.S. side that it would not attend talks in Islamabad and saw no prospects for participation.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called for China to communicate the necessity for Iran to halt destabilizing activities in the Strait of Hormuz. This comes amid ongoing tensions and failed negotiations between the U.S. and Iran regarding nuclear disarmament and regional stability.