US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US is open to a meeting with Iran at the United Nations, though no such meeting has been scheduled yet.
In an interview on NBC News’ Today show on Tuesday, Rubio said Washington has no objection to sitting down for talks with Iranian representatives. However, he noted that a meeting would only be meaningful if there were a prospect of a positive outcome and a path toward achieving the core objectives of the discussion.
Rubio said, “We are open to it. I don’t think any meeting is scheduled at this moment. But if there is a possibility for such a meeting, we are certainly ready to consider it.”
The US Secretary of State highlighted preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons as the primary goal of any discussion. He stated, “Iran can never possess nuclear weapons. Under no circumstances.”
Meanwhile, the US has granted permission for an Iranian delegation to attend the current session of the UN General Assembly. The delegation includes Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and other relevant officials.
The United Nations has also welcomed the prospect of renewed diplomatic contact between the US and Iran. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said yesterday that a resumption of talks between the two sides could help pave the way for ending the ongoing conflict.
However, deep differences remain between Washington and Tehran regarding the ongoing conflict and Iran’s nuclear program. In this context, a meeting between representatives of the two countries on the sidelines of the UN session could create a new opportunity for diplomatic engagement.
