US expects Iran response today, says Marco Rubio as tensions remain high in Strait of Hormuz

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington expects a response from Iran on Friday to a proposal aimed at ending the war between the two countries.

Speaking to reporters in Rome, Rubio said the United States hoped Tehran’s reply would open the door to formal negotiations.

“We’ll see what the response entails. ⁠The hope ⁠is it’s something that can put us ⁠into a serious ⁠process of negotiation,” ⁠Rubio said.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Tehran was reviewing the proposal and weighing its response, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.

The comments came amid continued tensions in the Strait of Hormuz following recent military exchanges between US and Iranian forces.

Rubio also stressed that recent American military action was “separate and distinct from Operation Epic Fury,” which he described as “an offensive operation designed to destroy their missile launches, the navy, their air force”.

“What you saw yesterday was US destroyers moving through international waters being fired upon by the Iranians, and the US responded defensively to protect itself,” he said.

“Only stupid countries don’t shoot back when you’re shot at. And we’re not a stupid country,” Rubio added.

Asked whether Washington had drawn clear limits for Tehran, Rubio replied: “the red line is clear: If they threaten Americans, they’re going to get blown up.”

Rubio also said the US would not negotiate directly with Hezbollah and would instead focus discussions through the Lebanese government.