The United States is prepared to meet with Iran this week, but any discussions must address Tehran’s missile and nuclear programs, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday.
Rubio did not confirm a specific meeting on Friday with Iranian officials, who have faced some of the most significant domestic protests since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
“If the Iranians want to meet, we’re ready,” Rubio told reporters. “For talks to lead to something meaningful, they will have to include the range of their ballistic missiles, sponsorship of terrorist organizations across the region, their nuclear program, and the treatment of their own people.”
Iran has historically rejected including its missile program in nuclear negotiations, insisting the weapons serve as a self-defense tool, particularly against Israel.
The meeting’s location is uncertain. Iranian state media indicated Friday talks would take place in Oman, while earlier reports suggested Turkey. Rubio said U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff was ready to meet in Turkey but received “conflicting reports” on Tehran’s agreement, and the matter is still being finalized.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the region following Israel’s bombing campaigns and domestic unrest in Iran, coupled with shifting regional alliances.
