Khaberni - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that the United States is ready to meet with Iran this week, but any talks must address its missile and nuclear programs, at a time when President Donald Trump is pressuring China to isolate Tehran.
Rubio told reporters in Washington, “If the Iranians want to meet, we are ready,” without confirming reports by official Iranian media that the talks will be held on Friday in Oman.
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he discussed the situation in Iran with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a phone call described as broad-ranging, as the US administration intensifies its pressure on Beijing and other countries to isolate Tehran.
Trump, who is still considering options including military action against Iran, stated last month via a social media post his intention to impose a 25% tariff on imports into the United States from countries that continue to trade with Iran.
Years of sanctions aimed at curbing the Iranian nuclear program have isolated the country internationally.
Nevertheless, Tehran recorded about 125 billion dollars in international trade in 2024, including 32 billion dollars with China, 28 billion dollars with the UAE, and 17 billion dollars with Turkey, according to data from the World Trade Organization.
