Former US President Donald Trump has expressed his willingness to meet Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, should ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran yield significant progress. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump indicated he would be “honoured” to hold such a meeting, provided negotiations concerning Iran's nuclear program and regional security issues move forward.
Trump emphasized that any potential agreement must ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon. He also reiterated that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical American objective. “I don’t want to meet, but if I did meet, I’d be honoured to meet him,” Trump stated, adding, “But if we make a deal, it’s possible that I would meet him. I’d be OK with that.”
Conditions for a Diplomatic Encounter
The former president underscored his conditions for a meeting, linking it directly to advancements in the broader US-Iran discussions. He described Khamenei as “probably a professional” with “a very good reputation in some circles,” indicating a respectful approach despite the contentious history between the two nations.
These remarks come as US and Iranian officials continue discussions aimed at resolving long-standing issues, particularly Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and its role in regional security. Trump expressed confidence that the talks would ultimately produce a favourable outcome for Washington, stating, “We’re going to win.” He also warned that the United States could take action against Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile if deemed necessary, underscoring his administration’s firm stance on nuclear proliferation.
Ongoing US-Iran Negotiations
Despite Trump’s optimistic outlook on reaching an agreement, Iranian officials have consistently maintained that significant differences persist and that no final deal has yet been reached. The prospect of a high-level meeting between the former US president and Iran’s Supreme Leader signals a potential, albeit conditional, diplomatic opening amid complex and sensitive international negotiations.