ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday stressed that talks with Iran should include its missile program and alleged sponsorship of terrorism, along with the nuclear issue, for Washington and Tehran’s discussions to “lead to something meaningful,” amid Tehran’s warning that talks will focus solely on the nuclear issue.

“In order for talks to actually lead to something meaningful, they will have to include certain things, and that includes the range of their ballistic missiles, their sponsorship of terrorist organizations across the region. That includes the nuclear program, and that includes the treatment of their own people,” Rubio said in a presser. 

Following reports of cancelled talks between Tehran and Washington, Iranian state media rejected the allegations on Wednesday and stressed that talks would take place in Muscat on Friday and would solely focus on “the nuclear issue,” with no other topics on the agenda.

While Iran remains under heavy international sanctions and pressure over its nuclear program, it has repeatedly said that its ballistic missile program is “not subject to negotiation,” insisting on its right to defend the country, as well as its right to pursue the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Ali Shamkhani, a top aide to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Monday asserted Tehran’s two main conditions for negotiations with Washington, saying that the talks should be carried out "away from atmospheres of threats and coercion tools" and the subject of negotiation "is solely on the nuclear issue.” 

Tehran on Wednesday issued contradictory reports that indirect talks between Washington and Tehran would take place on Friday in Muscat, under a similar format to previous negotiations. 

The talks were previously expected to be held in Turkey, while Washington has not yet confirmed the location, only expressing willingness to engage in discussions.

On the matter, Rubio said the US believed there was an agreed forum for talks in Turkey, but noted “conflicting reports” from Iran denying that agreement, adding that Washington remains “prepared to engage” with Tehran.

Iran’s nuclear program has been a longstanding concern of the US, which has repeatedly demanded Tehran curb its uranium enrichment. This, combined with Iran’s violent crackdown on protesters despite US warnings, has prompted an increase in US military presence in the Gulf, dispelling fears of a potential military confrontation.

On Tuesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said he has instructed Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to pursue negotiations with Washington.

Iran has been rocked by nationwide protests since late last year, which have spread to the majority of provinces and increasingly targeted the government. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has reported that Iranian security forces have killed more than 6,800 protesters and arrested over 50,000. 

​​Tehran and Washington have traded jabs ever since the protests erupted, with increasing reports of military movement in the Persian Gulf from both sides. 

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump warned Khamenei, saying he “should be very worried.”