U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Washington remains open to a diplomatic settlement of the conflict with Tehran, CNN reports.

"The United States is always open to a diplomatic solution. We have repeatedly tried (to achieve such a solution) with Iran, and we will continue to try. If that door opens, we will be pleased," Rubio told reporters before departing for Manila, where the ASEAN summit will be held.

Asked what would happen if diplomatic efforts fail, Rubio replied: "I don't think that would be good for Iran. I mean, Iran's economy is in ruins."

In addition, the secretary of state criticized Iran for attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

"They continue to signal that they want to talk, to negotiate, but we are responding precisely to their behavior, and their behavior consists of launching missiles and drones at ships, including last night," Rubio emphasized.

Earlier, the U.S. Central Command in the Middle East (CENTCOM) completed another series of strikes on Iranian targets, specifying that this was happening for the ninth consecutive night.