President Donald Trump has said he would be “honoured” to meet Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, if a peace deal is reached between the two countries. The comments mark a notable shift in tone from Trump, whose administration has been at war with Iran since February 28.
A Change in Stance on Uranium
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump also softened his position on Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. He said the US does not need a peace deal requiring the removal of enriched uranium from the country. “It’s entombed,” Trump said, adding that he “doesn’t like” the idea of the US military handling it.
This is a departure from his earlier stance. Trump had repeatedly insisted that Iran would not be permitted to keep its highly enriched uranium. Its removal or destruction had been a central prerequisite in ongoing peace negotiations.
Open to a Meeting
When asked about a possible sit-down with the Iranian leader, Trump said, “I don’t want to meet, but if I did meet, I’d be honoured to meet him.” He added, “I’d like to see if we make a deal, but if we make a deal, it’s possible that I would meet him.”
Mojtaba Khamenei, 54, was named supreme leader after his father, Ali Khamenei, was killed in a US-Israeli strike at the start of the war. The younger Khamenei also lost his wife and son in the same attack.
Trump acknowledged the personal loss. “We killed his father, his wife and his son, so I’m probably not his favourite person,” he said. But he added, “In some circles, he has a very good reputation, actually.” Trump said he expects Khamenei to be “professional” despite the tragedy.
Where Would They Meet
Asked where a possible meeting could take place, Trump said, “I haven’t really heard too much about it. I didn’t suggest it, but some people have suggested it.”
What About the Uranium
Trump also said the US does not need a deal to secure Iran’s enriched uranium. “We could get it right now. I don’t think they could stop us if we wanted, but there’s no reason to. It’s entombed,” he told reporters.
Trump is softening his demands on uranium. He is open to meeting Iran’s new leader. He acknowledges the personal history of violence between their two countries. But he still speaks of a deal and even respect. After months of war, the door to diplomacy may be opening just a crack.
By
