The United States has said it is ready to hold talks with Iran as early as this week, but any negotiations must address Tehran’s ballistic missile capabilities, nuclear program, regional activities, and human rights record, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday.
While Rubio stopped short of confirming a proposed meeting on Friday, he made it clear that Washington is open to engagement if Iran is willing to participate meaningfully. His remarks come amid heightened tensions after President Donald Trump ordered a significant US military buildup near Iran’s coastline and warned of possible strikes.
“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.”
Wide-Ranging Agenda for Any Talks
Rubio stressed that discussions would not be limited to Iran’s disputed nuclear program, as was the case in previous negotiations.
“In order for talks to actually lead to something meaningful, they will have to include certain things,” he said. “That includes the range of their ballistic missiles, their sponsorship of terrorist organisations across the region, their nuclear program, and the treatment of their own people.”
Iran has consistently rejected including its missile programme in negotiations, arguing that its weapons—capable of striking Israel—are a legitimate means of self-defence and a sovereign right.
Iran Under Mounting Internal and External Pressure
The renewed diplomatic push comes at a time when Iran is facing intensifying internal unrest. Authorities have violently suppressed some of the most serious protests since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, raising international scrutiny over human rights abuses.
Regionally, Tehran’s position has weakened following an Israeli bombing campaign last year, the significant degradation of Lebanon’s Hezbollah, and the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad government in Syria, a long-time Iranian ally.
These setbacks have increased pressure on Iran’s leadership, potentially opening a narrow window for diplomacy.
Confusion Over Venue for Talks
Iranian state media reported on Wednesday that talks with the United States would take place on Friday in Oman, contradicting earlier diplomatic indications that the meeting would be held in Turkey.
Rubio said US envoy Steve Witkoff had been prepared to meet Iranian officials in Turkey but received mixed signals from Tehran.
“He was ready to meet, but then we got conflicting reports on whether Iran had agreed,” Rubio said, adding that the location of the talks is still being worked out.
Despite the uncertainty, Washington maintains that it remains prepared for dialogue—provided Iran is willing to engage on all key issues.