US secretary of state orders envoys to remain quiet amid Iran nuclear talks: Report
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has instructed American ambassadors in the Middle East to avoid public statements that could escalate tensions or hinder Iran nuclear negotiations, as part of an effort to maintain diplomatic discipline. The directive is seen as a response to controversial remarks by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee defending Israeli territorial claims. It comes amid stalled negotiations in Geneva over Iran’s nuclear program, with Rubio potentially visiting Israel to meet Prime Minister Netanyahu.
US secretary of state orders envoys to remain quiet amid Iran nuclear talks: Report
Marco Rubio warns ambassadors against public statements that could inflame tensions, seen as rebuke to Mike Huckabee’s Israeli remarks
ISTANBUL
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has instructed American ambassadors in the Middle East to refrain from public statements that might inflame tensions or undermine nuclear talks with Iran, according to a confidential memo referred to in a report.
The unclassified cable on Monday, that was seen by The Guardian newspaper, warns diplomats that “discipline in public messaging is essential, especially at this time,” and directs them to “refrain from public statements, interviews, or social media activity that could in any way inflame regional audiences, prejudice sensitive political issues, or complicate US relationships.”
The directive is widely viewed inside the Trump administration as a rebuke to US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee following his controversial comments on The Tucker Carlson Show defending Israel’s biblical territorial claims. The comments alarmed advisers and drew criticism across the Middle East.
The order arrives amid faltering last‑ditch talks in Geneva between Iranian negotiators and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to curb Tehran’s nuclear program without resorting to military action.
One person familiar with the matter told the Guardian that Rubio is also expected to travel Monday to Israel n to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, underscoring growing diplomatic urgency, though the State Department declined to comment.
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