US Open to Meeting Iran at UN, but No Talks Scheduled Yet

Speaking to NBC’s Today show, Rubio said Washington would consider meeting with Iranian representatives if such talks could produce meaningful diplomatic progress. He stressed, however, that the United States’ central objective remains preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

“We’re open to that,” Rubio said, while noting that he did not believe anything had been scheduled at that point. He added that Washington would be willing to consider a meeting if it had the potential to produce a positive outcome.

UN Assembly Provides Potential Diplomatic Opening

The comments come as world leaders and senior officials gather in New York for the annual UN General Assembly, with tensions between Washington and Tehran among the major issues surrounding this year’s gathering.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are in New York for the UN meetings. The United States had earlier approved visas for Iran’s core delegation despite the ongoing confrontation between the two countries.

Iranian officials have also indicated that the UN gathering could provide an opportunity to revive diplomatic efforts. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran’s delegation had authority to pursue diplomacy through mediators and said Iran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the United States eased military pressure and lifted its blockade on Iranian ports.

Nuclear Issue Remains Central

Rubio made clear that any potential diplomatic engagement would be tied to Washington’s longstanding demand that Iran not obtain a nuclear weapon.

“And that is the fact that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. They just simply can’t,” Rubio said.

The comments signal that while Washington is not ruling out direct contact, there is currently no confirmed Trump-Pezeshkian meeting or formal US-Iran negotiating session at the UN.

Strait of Hormuz Adds Urgency

The possibility of diplomacy comes amid continuing tensions surrounding the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global energy shipments.

Rubio has also said that roughly 60% to 70% of oil shipments through the strait have recovered, with the proportion continuing to rise.

Iran, meanwhile, has linked the reopening of the waterway to changes in U.S. military pressure and restrictions on Iranian ports. Tehran’s position has created another potential issue for any diplomatic discussions taking place around the UN General Assembly.

What Happens Next?

For now, Washington and Tehran remain without a confirmed bilateral meeting at the UN. Rubio’s comments nevertheless leave open the possibility of diplomatic contact if both sides see a potential path toward progress.

With senior officials from both countries in New York, the UN General Assembly could provide an opportunity for indirect contacts or discussions through intermediaries, even if a formal Trump-Pezeshkian meeting does not take place.

What’s Known So Far:

• 🇺🇸 The U.S. says it is open to meeting Iranian representatives at the UN.
• 📅 No formal US-Iran meeting has been scheduled so far.
• ☢️ Washington says preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains a central objective.
• 🇮🇷 Iranian officials have indicated that diplomacy could potentially resume through mediators.
• 🚢 The Strait of Hormuz remains a major issue amid the wider confrontation.
• 🌍 Both sides are represented in New York for the UN General Assembly.