US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has blamed the world's current economic woes due to the war in the Middle East on Iran, despite America and Israel starting this latest escalation.
The comments came ahead of his meeting with New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters at the US State Department this morning in Washington DC.
Ahead of his meeting with Peters, 1News asked Marco Rubio what his message would be to countries like New Zealand, which are feeling the effects of this war despite having no direct involvement.
"The whole world has been impacted unfortunately because the Iranians have violated every law known by striking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz," Rubio said.
What Winston Peters said to US Secretary of State amid Iran war - Watch on TVNZ+
"It's a big problem for the world — I mean this is a regime that doesn't believe in laws or rules or anything like that: it's a state that sponsor's terrorism. It's not surprising that they are targeting commercial shipping."
Rubio and Peters then left for their closed-door meeting at the US State Department.
This came just hours after Donald Trump posted a somewhat dire message on his social media platform ahead of his deadline for Iran to accept a deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
"A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again," he said.
"I don't want that to happen, but out probably will... we will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the world."
Afterwards, speaking to 1News at the NZ embassy, Peters wouldn't speak on the President's comments, or his ultimatum to deadline.
"Everyone wants a completion to this war, but we are only a few hours away from perhaps a dramatic change to these events. I can't comment on that," said Winston Peters.
When asked if the US asked for Kiwi military support to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as Trump has demanded from many of America's allies, he said no ask was made, and Peters "wasn't surprised".
He said the meeting was requested by Rubio and covered a range of topics aside from the war, including growing competition in the Pacific.
"[They were] committed to keep engaging going forward — to work together," he said.
"It means a whole lot of things - it means that they are actually committed in every area to ensure we get a programme of work for the social and economic advancement of the people of the Pacific, but more particularly on issues of peace and security.
1News asked Peters if he would like to see a greater focus on the Pacific on the part of the Americans.
"There should always be an American focus on the Pacific because after all — as we did point out to him — it's your front door and it's our front door."
1News’ Logan Church speaks from Washington DC, after NZ’s Foreign Minister met the senior member of Donald Trump’s administration. (Source: Breakfast)
Peters said Rubio accepted that view.
Other subjects discussed included critical minerals.
This meeting comes at a time of tense relations between America and its allies — New Zealand included, especially with NZ being slapped with hefty tariff on exports sent to America, as well as Trump's warmongering in the Middle East.
"The reality is we had a good discussion," said Peters.
"There are certain decisions that are being made virtually on the hour that [Rubio] couldn't share with us, and that was understandable. Late on today, or during next few days, we'll know a whole lot more. That's why we're keeping our counsel as anyone who has experience in this job should."
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including a complaint upheld against Richard Chambers, new photos from the moon mission, and JD Vance’s awkward phone call. (Source: 1News)
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