Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Feb 15: Amid rising tensions with Iran and reports of a second US aircraft carrier being deployed to the Middle East, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington continues to prefer a diplomatic path with Tehran, asserting that President Donald Trump would be willing to meet Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei if the opportunity arose.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Rubio said Trump believes direct engagement is a practical approach to resolving global disputes and stressed that meeting adversaries should not be seen as a concession.
“I serve under a President that’s willing to meet with anybody,” Rubio said, adding that if the Ayatollah expressed willingness to meet, Trump would agree. “Not because he agrees with the Ayatollah but because he thinks that’s the way you solve problems in the world, and he doesn’t view meeting someone as a concession,” he said.
His remarks came even as the United States increased its military presence in the region. Rubio clarified that the move is aimed at deterring potential Iranian attacks on American forces and facilities, noting Iran’s past actions against US interests. He reiterated Washington’s firm position that Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, describing such a development as a serious threat to regional and global security.
Despite the heightened military posture, Rubio maintained that Trump remains committed to seeking a negotiated settlement with Tehran. He indicated that discussions could take place soon, with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner expected to participate in upcoming meetings.
“The President would always prefer to end problems with a deal,” Rubio said.
Rubio also dismissed concerns that key US allies may be drifting closer to China following recent visits to Beijing by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as well as a planned trip by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
He argued that engagement among major powers is both normal and necessary. “It would be irresponsible for great powers not to have relationships and talk through things and, to the extent possible, avoid unnecessary conflict,” Rubio said, noting that Trump plans to visit Beijing and has previously met Chinese President Xi Jinping. He added that he too held talks with China’s foreign minister during the same forum.