'Iran Won't Be Allowed To Have Nuclear Weapons': Marco Rubio Says Trump Wants To Reach A Deal

Last Updated:February 15, 2026, 11:08 IST

He added that the United States has maintained military forces in the region because Iran has demonstrated in the past a willingness to attack American interests.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran will never be permitted to acquire a nuclear weapon while noting that President Donald Trump still prefers a diplomatic solution to resolve tensions with Tehran.

“Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. That’s pretty clear," Rubio said, noting Washington’s long-standing position that a nuclear-armed Iran would pose a serious threat to regional and global security.

He added that the United States has maintained military forces in the region because Iran has demonstrated in the past a willingness to attack American interests.

Rubio’s remarks come as the United States bolsters its military footprint in the Middle East, including reports of a second US aircraft carrier being deployed.

He said the increased presence is meant to deter potential Iranian attacks on US troops and facilities, not to escalate conflict.

Despite the show of force, Rubio emphasised that the administration’s priority remains diplomacy.

Earlier in an interview with Bloomberg, he said Trump believes direct engagement is often the most effective way to resolve international disputes, even with adversaries.

“I serve under a President that’s willing to meet with anybody," Rubio said, adding that Trump would be open to meeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei if such an opportunity arose.

According to Rubio, such a meeting would not signal approval or concession, but rather a pragmatic effort to prevent conflict. “The President would always prefer to end problems with a deal," he said.

Rubio noted that discussions with Iran could take place in the near future, with US envoy Steve Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner expected to be involved in upcoming talks.

The secretary of state also addressed concerns that some US allies may be moving closer to China following recent and planned visits to Beijing by leaders such as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Rubio dismissed suggestions that such diplomacy signals weakening alliances, arguing that dialogue among major powers is both normal and necessary.

He noted that Trump himself plans to visit China and has previously met Chinese President Xi Jinping, adding that maintaining open channels is essential to avoiding unnecessary conflict.

News world 'Iran Won't Be Allowed To Have Nuclear Weapons': Marco Rubio Says Trump Wants To Reach A Deal

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