U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that President Donald Trump prefers reaching an agreement with Iran and would be willing to meet Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, if he expressed a desire for talks.
Speaking in an interview on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Rubio said Trump is open to meeting anyone, as he believes global issues can only be resolved through dialogue.
Rubio added that if Ayatollah Khamenei were to request a meeting with President Trump even tomorrow, such a meeting could take place, not because Trump agrees with him, but because he believes that is how problems are addressed.
He described the decision to send a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East as a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring that Iran does not take steps that could trigger a broader conflict.
Meanwhile, President Trump said that a change of leadership in Iran would be “the best thing that could happen.” He said the world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, is being deployed to the Middle East, adding that if a deal with Iran is not reached, it may become necessary.
Speaking to the media in Washington, Trump said that a US carrier strike group is already present in the Middle East. He warned that if negotiations fail, Iran could face serious consequences, but expressed hope that talks would succeed, reiterating that the US seeks a deal with Tehran.
Moreover, a news agency reported that the US military is preparing for a sustained and prolonged operation against Iran.
Two US officials told a British news agency that such a prolonged campaign would pose greater risks to American forces and the Middle East. They said the current planning is more complex than before, and that the United States may target not only Iran’s nuclear infrastructure but also state and security installations. They added that Washington fully expects Iran to retaliate.
