Marco Rubio Drops Bold Statement On Iran, Says Washington Is Ready To Negotiate With Them

The United States stands ready to meet with Iran this week to address critical issues affecting regional stability and global security.

According to a report by The Times of Israel on February 4, 2026, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has clearly stated that Washington is prepared for direct engagement whenever Iran chooses to proceed.

He emphasized that the U.S. remains fully committed to dialogue, maintaining that America has consistently shown willingness to talk with Iranian officials.

Rubio confirmed that Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is available to attend the scheduled meeting on Friday, as previously arranged.

The U.S. side had anticipated discussions in Turkey based on Iran’s earlier agreement to that format, but Iranian authorities appear to have reconsidered their position.

Despite this shift, the venue for potential talks continues to be finalized through ongoing coordination.

For any negotiations to produce meaningful and lasting results, the discussions must comprehensively cover several key areas.

The range of Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities represents a major concern that requires thorough examination.

Iran’s active sponsorship of terrorist organizations throughout the Middle East must also form a central part of the agenda, given the destabilizing impact on neighboring countries and broader international peace.

The Iranian nuclear program stands as another essential topic that cannot be excluded from serious talks.

Addressing this issue directly is vital to prevent escalation and ensure compliance with non-proliferation commitments.

Furthermore, the treatment of Iran’s own population demands attention, as widespread reports of human rights violations, suppression of dissent, and restrictions on fundamental freedoms undermine the prospects for constructive diplomacy.

Rubio stressed that the United States approaches these matters with a clear-eyed view of the challenges involved.

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