Rubio stated in a press release that Iran’s insistence on excluding ballistic missiles from negotiations constitutes a significant obstacle. He noted that Iran possesses conventional weapons aimed at the United States and has long posed a serious threat to the country.
Regarding the upcoming talks between Tehran and Washington in Geneva on Thursday, Rubio described them merely as another opportunity for dialogue. He indicated that the talks will focus heavily on the nuclear program and clarified that Iran is not currently enriching uranium, but is trying to reach a point where it can do so eventually. He concluded by affirming that diplomacy is not off the table.
In a related context, US Vice President Mike Pence stated on Wednesday that the US has detected evidence that Iran is attempting to rebuild its nuclear program following US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June. Pence emphasized the principle that Iran cannot possess a nuclear weapon.
The US imposed new sanctions on Wednesday targeting Iran, continuing its “Maximum Pressure” campaign ahead of the upcoming talks in Geneva. The sanctions, announced by the US Treasury Department, target more than 30 individuals, entities, and vessels involved in facilitating illicit Iranian oil sales and arms production.
The Treasury stated it is targeting ships operating within Iran’s “shadow fleet” that transport Iranian oil and its products to foreign markets, aiming to cut off the regime’s revenue sources. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated in a release that Iran exploits financial systems to sell illicit oil, launder proceeds, buy components for its nuclear and conventional weapons programs, and support its terrorist allies.
Bessent pledged to continue exerting maximum pressure on Iran to target its military capabilities and support for terrorism. US President Donald Trump, in his State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, accused Tehran of having “evil nuclear ambitions.”
