Rubio says US open-minded on Middle East, but Iran not serious about talks
SPY•U.S. says it is open-minded on Middle East conflict
MANILA, July 22 (Reuters) - U.S. State Secretary Marco Rubio said on Wednesday the United States is open-minded on the Middle East conflict and willing to engage, negotiate and settle differences with Iran, but Tehran was not serious about talks.
"If they're serious, we're serious. If they're not, then we will do what's necessary to protect our interests, and also the interests of our allies," Rubio said in remarks in a meeting with Southeast Asian counterparts in Manila, who have expressed serious concern about the renewed hostilities.
(Reporting by Michael Martina; Writing by Mikhail Flores; Editing by Martin Petty)
