Donald Trump reveals the person US is talking with in Iran, not new Supreme Leader
Donald Trump reveals the person US is talking with in Iran, not new Supreme Leader
U.S. President Donald Trump has disclosed that Washington is in contact with a senior figure in Iran as part of efforts to resolve ongoing tensions, but is not engaging the country’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.
Speaking in response to questions from CNN’s chief White House correspondent, Kaitlin Collins, Trump described the individual involved in the discussions as influential, while suggesting that recent developments have altered Iran’s leadership structure.
“A top person’. Remember: We have eliminated the leadership in phases one, two, and largely in three.
“However, we are negotiating with a man whom I believe is the most respected; it’s somewhat challenging, as they have been eliminated we have removed everyone,” he said.
When pressed on whether the United States was in talks with Khamenei, Trump was emphatic.
“No, not the supreme leader.”
He further cast doubt on the status of the Iranian leader, stating: “We have not received any communication from the son. Occasionally, you might see a statement issued but we are uncertain if he is alive.”
Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen in public since assuming leadership two weeks ago, following the reported death of his father and predecessor, Ali Khamenei, in an Israeli airstrike an incident that has fuelled speculation over his condition.
Trump had earlier criticised Mojtaba’s emergence as supreme leader, describing him as an “unacceptable” choice prior to his appointment.
