Rubio: Talks with Iran must include its missile and nuclear programs
Confirmed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio US willingness to hold Conversations with Iran this week, but stressed the need to include its missile and nuclear programs.
Rubio told reporters on Wednesday: "If the Iranians want to meet, we are ready"
He added: "They have expressed a desire to meet and engage in dialogue, and if they change their minds, that is okay too"This came after President Donald Trump ordered a large military buildup near the Iranian coast and threatened to launch a strike.
Rubio continued: "For the talks to produce tangible results, they must include specific items, including the range of their ballistic missiles, their support for terrorist organizations in the region, their nuclear program, and their treatment of their own people."
Increasing pressure on Iran
In previous talks about its disputed nuclear program, Iran had ruled out discussing the issue of its missiles, noting that these weapons capable of striking Israel are a tool for self-defense.
But Iran is under increasing pressure as a result of the repression with which it faced protests, and after the Israeli raids campaign last year. Iran has also lost key regional allies with the decline of the influence of Lebanese Hezbollah and the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Talks in the Sultanate of Oman
Iranian official media reported on Wednesday that the talks with the United States will be held on Friday in the Sultanate. Oman, after diplomats had previously indicated that the meeting would be held on Friday in Türkiye.
Rubio said that US envoy Steve Witkoff was prepared to meet with the Iranians in Türkiye, but he later received "Conflicting reports" On whether Tehran agreed to this.
- For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Twitter
