Iran's demands over the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous precedent, Rubio warns Asian leaders

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Asian leaders Wednesday that Iran's demand to control and collect tolls in the Strait of Hormuz would threaten the world's economy and set a precedent that could be repeated elsewhere in the world. Rubio spoke at the start of an annual meeting in the Philippine capital, Manila, with counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations who have expressed alarm over the resurgent fighting in the Middle East that has battered their region. Despite Washington's preoccupation with Iran, Rubio said, 'We're with ASEAN 100%.' 'If we create a precedent in the Middle East where a nation-state can decide that they are going to control an international waterway, charge a toll and if you don't pay them, blow up your ships, we have created a very dangerous precedent which will repeat itself in other parts of the world, including in this region,' he said. Washington's top diplomat also renewed allegations that Iran has reneged on commitments under a collapsed interim ceasefire deal. Rubio said Iran 'has been reaching out to the United States, both directly and indirectly, to engage in talks about settling the differences.' He said that while 'the U.S. would love to reach a diplomatic settlement,' the Trump administration is 'not going to sit by and let ships be blown up or Americans be attacked.' Top diplomats from the U.S., China, Russia and several other countries are in Manila this week to take part in the ASEAN ministerial gathering. Newly minted British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband was arriving Wednesday, his office said.