US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that diplomatic contacts with Iran have continued despite escalating tensions in the Middle East, stressing that Washington remains open to a peaceful solution provided its core security concerns are addressed.
Speaking to reporters in Atlanta on Saturday, Rubio said there was no set timetable for the ongoing diplomatic efforts, but emphasised that communication channels remained open.
“There are multiple talks. Talks have actually never stopped,” he said, adding that conversations were taking place both directly and, more often, through intermediaries.
“The president’s preference in any challenge around the world is to try to solve it diplomatically and peacefully, if possible,” Rubio said, referring to President Donald Trump’s approach.
Accusing Iran of targeting commercial shipping
Rubio added that Washington would welcome a diplomatic outcome, provided it did not endanger US national security or leave its principal concerns unresolved.
At the centre of those concerns, he said, are Iran’s nuclear programme and what Washington sees as Tehran’s destabilising role across the region.
Rubio accused Iran of targeting commercial shipping in international waters, warning that attacks on vessels carrying oil, natural gas and other cargo threaten not only maritime security but also global energy and food supplies.
He also pointed to Iran’s support for regional groups, including the Houthi militia in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon, arguing that their activities have contributed to instability and security concerns for neighbouring countries.
Addressing Gulf security, Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s defence commitments to Saudi Arabia, saying the US remained in regular contact with Riyadh and intended to honour its agreements.
Possible US-Russia leaders’ encounter
Rubio also said he spoke briefly with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the G20 talks about a possible encounter between their countries’ leaders next month.
“We spoke just briefly about the opportunity for our leaders to potentially interact at APEC next month,” he said, referring to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in the Chinese city of Shenzhen in mid-November.
He stressed, however, that he did not hold a formal meeting with Lavrov during the two-day gathering of G20 foreign ministers in Atlanta, Georgia.
Rubio said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could be invited to the December G20 summit in Miami if Trump believes “something positive” could result from his attendance.
“If we can play a role in mediating an end to that conflict, the United States is prepared to play that role,” Rubio said of the war in Ukraine.
“And to play that role, we have to have the ability to communicate with both sides,” he added.
