Feb 14 • 11:41 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

Trump open to meeting Khamenei and Iran rejects pressure to stop uranium enrichment

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that President Trump is willing to meet Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, while Iran rejects political pressure to halt its uranium enrichment activities.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that President Trump is open to a meeting with Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, signaling a potential shift in diplomatic relations amidst rising tensions. Rubio expressed confidence that if Khamenei expressed interest in a meeting, Trump would agree to it. He clarified that Trump's willingness to meet is not due to agreement on issues but stems from a belief that direct dialogue may be the best approach to resolving ongoing problems with Iran.

Simultaneously, Tehran has stated that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will not be allowed to visit its nuclear facilities, citing security concerns, thereby dismissing the political pressure from the US to suspend uranium enrichment. This stubborn stance reflects Iran's commitment to continuing its nuclear program despite US sanctions and calls for discontinuation from various international actors. The discussions around uranium enrichment and inspections continue to be critical points of contention in US-Iran relations.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, it was reported that American and Iranian officials are set to hold a new round of talks in Geneva, with a date scheduled for the following Tuesday. Attendees will include American representatives and Omani intermediaries. The ongoing military presence of US forces in the region is also a significant factor, as indicated by Rubio, who mentioned Iran's readiness to target US assets. This ongoing diplomatic dance highlights the fragility of the situation and the need for effective communication to avoid potential escalations.

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