Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the US is prepared to meet Iran, but insists talks must cover Tehran’s missile program, nuclear activities, and regional behaviour
WASHINGTON: The United States is ready to meet Iran this week but insists discussions must cover its missile and nuclear programs.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the US position on Wednesday, though he did not confirm a reported meeting scheduled for Friday.
“If the Iranians want to meet, we’re ready,” Rubio told reporters.
“They’ve expressed an interest in meeting and talking. If they change their mind, we’re fine with that too,” he said, following President Donald Trump’s order for a military buildup near Iran.
Rubio outlined the necessary scope for any meaningful dialogue.
“In order for talks to actually lead to something meaningful, they will have to include certain things, and that includes the range of their ballistic missiles, that includes their sponsorship of terrorist organizations across the region, that includes their nuclear program and that includes the treatment of their own people,” he said.
Iran has historically rejected discussing its missile arsenal in previous nuclear negotiations.
It views the weapons, which can reach Israel, as legitimate tools of self-defense.
The clerical state faces mounting pressure from internal protests and regional setbacks.
These include an Israeli bombing campaign last year and the severe degradation of key ally Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has further eroded Iran’s regional influence.
Iranian state media reported Wednesday that talks with the US would occur Friday in Oman.
This contradicted earlier diplomatic reports suggesting Turkey as the venue.
Rubio said US envoy Steve Witkoff had been prepared to meet in Turkey but received “conflicting reports” on Iran’s agreement.
“That’s still being worked out,” he said regarding the location for the potential talks.
