Expert sounds alarm about absence of nuclear material securing plan as Iran negotiations begin.

European and Iranian negotiators concluded their discussions in Geneva, Switzerland, without a clear breakthrough. Despite this, diplomats informed The Associated Press that they remained optimistic about the possibility of further talks with the Iranian delegation.

The discussions with Iran occurred following a statement delivered by White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, on behalf of President Trump. Leavitt conveyed the President’s message, stating, “Given the possibility of upcoming negotiations with Iran, I will decide on my participation within the next two weeks.”

One former Pentagon official says there is an important issue that is not being discussed.

The Bushehr nuclear plant in Iran April 29, 2024 (Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

“Even if Iran complies with Trump’s demand to abandon its nuclear program, there remains an overlooked challenge – the issue of how to transport all nuclear materials out of Iran,” highlighted Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, during an interview with Fox News Digital.

Rubin, who has lived in post-revolution Iran, Yemen, and both pre- and postwar Iraq, mentioned that there are a few options available.

“The United States could do it, but we don’t want boots on the ground.”

Rubin cited a quote from Margaret Thatcher to George H.W. Bush in 1990 —  “Don’t go wobbly on me now, George” — when Saddam Hussein invaded Iraq. 

“I suspect Marco Rubio is filling Margaret Thatcher’s britches, that he is the one going around now to our European allies, saying, ‘Don’t go wobbly on me now.,’” said Rubin.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei attends Nowruz events in Tehran, Iran March 21, 2025. ( Iranian Leader Press Office/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)

“[He] is saying this to everyone else within the European Union and the United Kingdom because if the Europeans have their choice, they’re going to choose quiet over common sense.”

On Thursday, Rubio spoke with counterparts to discuss the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. 

According to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, he spoke with Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot in separate conversations about the ongoing conflict. 

They all agreed to “continue to work together closely to commit to a path of peace and ensure that Iran never develops a nuclear weapon,” Bruce said.

Louis Casiano and The Associated Press contributed to this report.