US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that Washington continues to favour diplomacy with Iran despite rising regional tensions and an expanded American military presence in the Middle East. His remarks came as reports emerged of a second US aircraft carrier being deployed to the region, a move officials describe as aimed at deterring potential Iranian attacks against American personnel and strategic facilities.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Rubio stated that President Donald Trump remains open to direct dialogue with Iranian leadership and would be willing to meet Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei if such an opportunity arose. He explained that Trump considers face-to-face engagement a practical diplomatic tool rather than a sign of political concession, arguing that dialogue with adversaries can help resolve complex international disputes.
Rubio emphasized that the president’s approach is rooted in a willingness to engage broadly with global leaders, regardless of political differences. According to him, Trump believes negotiations and direct communication are often the most effective way to reduce tensions and address longstanding conflicts, even between rival governments.
The secretary of state’s comments coincided with a noticeable increase in US military deployments across the Middle East. Rubio said the buildup is intended primarily as a deterrent, reflecting concerns about Iran’s past actions targeting American interests in the region. He reiterated Washington’s position that Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons, describing such an outcome as a serious threat to both regional stability and global security.
Despite the heightened military posture, Rubio stressed that the administration still prefers a negotiated settlement over confrontation. He indicated that diplomatic efforts are continuing and suggested that discussions could take place soon, with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner expected to participate in upcoming talks aimed at advancing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme. According to Rubio, Trump’s priority remains achieving an agreement that resolves disputes through diplomacy rather than conflict.
During the same interview, Rubio also addressed concerns about shifting global alliances, particularly speculation that some US partners may be strengthening ties with China. The issue gained attention following recent visits to Beijing by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, along with a planned trip by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Rubio rejected the notion that such engagements signal weakening Western alliances, arguing instead that dialogue among major powers is a normal and necessary aspect of international relations. He said it would be irresponsible for leading nations not to maintain communication channels, especially when diplomacy can help prevent misunderstandings and reduce the risk of conflict.
He also noted that President Trump is planning a visit to Beijing and has previously held meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Rubio added that he himself met China’s foreign minister during the same international forum, underscoring ongoing diplomatic contacts even amid strategic competition.
Overall, Rubio’s remarks highlighted the administration’s dual-track approach toward Iran and broader global challenges—maintaining military readiness while simultaneously pursuing diplomatic engagement as the preferred path to resolving disputes.
