BlockBeats News, July 22nd. On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated that the United States is still willing to negotiate to end the Iran crisis, but Tehran is not approaching the talks in good faith. Pompeo said that Washington is "always committed to diplomacy," but doubts whether Tehran is equally committed to the negotiations.

"The problem we have now is that they are not serious about negotiations. If they are serious, we will be serious; if they are not, we will take necessary measures to protect our interests and the interests of our allies," Pompeo said. He emphasized that Iran should not control the Strait of Hormuz, as this would set a dangerous precedent for the world.

Pompeo stated: "If we were to create a precedent in the Middle East where a nation-state could determine it can shut off a strait, charge tolls, attempt to foment with no consequence, no response, we would endanger world shipping. The United States is going to make sure that we have unfettered access to these waterways to get our ships through." (FX Street)