Washington signals openness to negotiations as tensions rise, but demands broader agenda beyond nuclear issue
Washington, United States | Web Desk: Amid escalating regional tensions and war rhetoric, the United States has finally expressed readiness to enter negotiations with Iran, while laying down strict conditions.
According to international news agencies, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is prepared to meet Iran as early as this week if Tehran is willing to engage in talks. However, he stressed that negotiations must not be limited solely to Iran’s nuclear program.
Rubio reiterated that the US has always remained open to dialogue and consultation with Iran, but insisted that talks must also address Iran’s ballistic missile program, its support for regional proxy groups, and alleged human rights violations against the Iranian people.
He revealed that Iran had initially agreed to hold talks in Istanbul on Friday, but later withdrew and requested that negotiations be moved to Oman, with the agenda restricted to nuclear matters only.
The US Secretary of State confirmed that President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, remains ready to participate in the proposed Friday talks.
Despite Iran’s request to change both the venue and scope of discussions, the United States continues to insist that talks should be held in Istanbul and cover a wider range of security and regional concerns, not just the nuclear issue.
