No it isn't the only option, plenty of languages are available, specially if automatic memory management is an option on the specific deployment scenario.
Usually we land on Rust only discussions, due to more active advocacy that should known better to avoid tiring the audience, or by defensive attittude from unsafe language folks that push back every single reference to write secure software as a sales pitch for Rust.
I always mention secure system programming languages going back to 1958. Don't remember Rust being that ancient, and have plenty of critical remarks about Rust as well.
Usually we land on Rust only discussions, due to more active advocacy that should known better to avoid tiring the audience, or by defensive attittude from unsafe language folks that push back every single reference to write secure software as a sales pitch for Rust.