US insists ballistic missiles be included in nuclear talks with Iran
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The United States has said it is open to talks with Iran this week but has made clear that any negotiations must go beyond Tehran’s nuclear programme to include its ballistic missile capabilities and regional activities.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that Washington was prepared to meet Iranian officials, amid reports from Iranian state media that talks would take place on Friday in Oman.
“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.”
Rubio, however, stressed that meaningful talks would require Iran to address a wider set of issues. “In order for talks to actually lead to something meaningful, they will have to include certain things,” he said, listing the range of Iran’s ballistic missiles, its nuclear programme, its support for militant groups in the region, and its treatment of its own citizens.
Iran has consistently ruled out negotiations on its missile programme in past nuclear talks, arguing that its missile capabilities — which can reach Israel — are purely defensive and a sovereign right.
The renewed diplomatic activity comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions. US President Donald Trump recently ordered a significant US military buildup near Iran’s coast and warned of possible strikes. Iran, meanwhile, has faced sustained domestic protests, as well as growing regional pressure following an Israeli bombing campaign last year and the weakening of key allies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the fall of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.
While Iranian state media reported that talks with the US would be held on Friday in Oman, earlier diplomatic sources had suggested Turkey as the venue. Rubio said US envoy Steve Witkoff had been ready to travel to Turkey but had received “conflicting reports” on whether Tehran had finalised its participation.
“That’s still being worked out,” Rubio said, referring to the location of the proposed talks.