Trump calls Hormuz firefight 'just a love tap' as Rubio presses Iran for diplomatic response

ROME, ITALY: Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday, May 8, that Washington is expecting a response from Iran on a proposal aimed at advancing talks over the ongoing conflict, as military tensions continued to flare in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to reporters in Rome, Rubio said the United States had not yet received Tehran’s reply but expected clarity within hours.

His remarks came after a new exchange of fire between US and Iranian forces, despite President Donald Trump maintaining that the ceasefire remains in place. As Oil prices edged higher overnight, reflecting concerns over the security of energy shipments through the region.

Marco Rubio says Washington hopes for 'serious' Iranian offer

Rubio told reporters the United States is waiting for Iran’s response to a proposal that could restart formal negotiations over the conflict.

“We should know something today,” Rubio said. He added that no response had been received “as of the last hour,” pointing to internal challenges in Tehran as a possible reason for the delay.

“Their system is still highly fractured, and it’s dysfunctional as well, so that may be serving as an impediment,” Rubio said.

The secretary of state said Washington’s goal is to receive “something that can put us into a serious process of negotiation,” suggesting that the administration is seeking a diplomatic pathway even as military activity continues in the Gulf.

Rubio also raised concern over reports that Iran may be trying to establish a mechanism to control maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, calling such a move unacceptable.

“That would be very problematic, that would actually be unacceptable,” Rubio said. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, and any disruption there has immediate implications for global energy markets. 

Iran condemns US strikes as ceasefire comes under strain

Rubio’s comments came after Iran sharply criticized US military action in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Washington of violating the ceasefire framework.

Iranian military officials said the United States targeted vessels and port areas near the strait, prompting retaliatory fire from Iranian forces.

Iran’s Khatam Al-Anbiya military headquarters said the United States had “crossed the point of no return,” warning that its response would match “the crime and more.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also condemned the US strikes, describing them as a “reckless military adventure.”

“Every time a diplomatic solution is on the table, the US opts for a reckless military adventure,” Araghchi wrote on X. “Whatever the causes, the outcome is the same: Iranians never bow to pressure and diplomacy is always the victim.”

US officials said the strikes were carried out in self-defense after Iranian forces fired at American warships transiting the strait.

President Trump sought to downplay the latest exchange, describing it as “just a love tap” and insisting the ceasefire remains active. “The ceasefire is going. It’s in effect,” Trump said in a phone interview on Thursday.