US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Washington expects a response from Iran on Friday regarding US proposals aimed at reaching an agreement to end the war with the Islamic Republic.

Rubio told journalists during his visit to Rome: We expect a response from them today at some point. I hope it will be a serious proposal. I truly hope so.

He said that Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz is unacceptable, following reports that the Islamic Republic has established a body to oversee the vital corridor for global energy supplies amid the war with the United States.

Rubio said that Iran is currently claiming it has the right to control an international waterway, and that this is unacceptable and they are trying to normalize it.

He added that Trump has not yet decided how to respond to allies refusing to use their military bases.

He said that if one of the main reasons for the United States’ presence in NATO is the ability to deploy forces in Europe that can be used in other emergency situations, and this is no longer possible at least with some alliance members, then this is an issue that needs to be examined.

Rubio meets Pope Leo

He also said he held a very good meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, which came weeks after President Donald Trump criticized the pontiff’s antiwar stance.

Rubio meets Pope Leo. (AFP)

Rubio told journalists that he discussed with the American pope areas of shared interest, including religious freedom and the threat posed by Iran, adding that it is important to exchange views and explain and understand where each side is coming from, and that he believes the meeting was very positive.