Donald Trump would agree to meeting with Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei, says Marco Rubio
Times of India
by TOI WORLD DESKFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that President Donald Trump would be open to meeting Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei if the opportunity arises, signaling a potential shift in US diplomatic strategy toward Tehran. Rubio emphasized during an interview with Bloomberg that Trump views dialogue as a key tool for resolving global conflicts, even if he doesn't agree with Khamenei's policies or ideology. This stance reflects Trump's preference for pursuing deals and negotiations with Iran's leadership, which could pave the way for direct talks between the two leaders.
The remarks come amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran. Earlier in the day, Trump suggested that a change in Iran's leadership could be beneficial, though Rubio did not directly address this conflicting statement. Instead, he focused on Trump's commitment to resolving issues through dialogue rather than confrontation, highlighting the administration's willingness to engage with Tehran despite past disagreements.
Rubio also stressed the importance of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, calling it a threat to global security and stability. He reiterated Trump's preference for reaching a diplomatic deal with Iran, even as US military forces remain stationed in the region to deter potential attacks. This dual approach—open dialogue coupled with a strong military presence—reflects the administration's strategy to address both the nuclear issue and regional security concerns.
The possibility of direct talks between Trump and Khamenei could have significant implications for US-Iran relations, which have been strained since the 2015 nuclear deal. Rubio's comments suggest that while the administration remains committed to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, it is also open to exploring diplomatic avenues to resolve ongoing disputes. This shift in tone could signal an effort to de-escalate tensions and find common ground with Tehran, aligning with Trump's stated preference for resolving conflicts through negotiation rather than military action.
Ultimately, Rubio's remarks highlight the delicate balance the administration is attempting to strike between maintaining a firm stance against Iran's nuclear ambitions and engaging in dialogue to prevent broader regional instability. Whether this approach will yield concrete results remains to be seen, but it underscores the ongoing importance of US-Iran relations in global security dynamics.
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on Times of India on 2/14/2026