US President Donald Trump stated on Thursday, May 4, that he would be 'honoured' to meet Iran's new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, three months after a US military operation killed members of Mojtaba's family. Trump made the remarks in response to reporters' questions about potential diplomatic engagement with the Iranian leader. The statement comes amid a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran following strikes on February 28 that killed former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and resulted in Iranian retaliatory attacks across the Middle East.
Trump Expresses Willingness to Meet Iranian Leader
When questioned if he wished to meet with Mojtaba, Trump told reporters on Thursday, May 4: "I don't want to meet, but if I did meet, I'd be honoured to meet him." Trump added, "If we make a deal, it's possible that I would meet him. I'd be okay with that."
When asked whether he believes Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei harbours "hard feelings," Trump responded: "I would say I'm not his favourite person." Trump continued, "He's probably a professional. In some circles he has a very good reputation actually. Sometimes people say bad, but a lot of people say bad about me. It's totally false, of course."
February 28 Strikes Killed Former Supreme Leader and Family Members
The US and Israel launched strikes on several crucial Iranian sites on February 28, during which the former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed. His son, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, was seriously injured in the strikes. Operation Epic Fury not only claimed the life of Mojtaba's father, but also his wife and child.
Mojtaba has assumed control of Iran. Iran retaliated by attacking sites across the Middle East and shutting down the Strait of Hormuz waterway.
US and Iran Maintain Ceasefire Without Long-Term Agreement
The US and Iran have managed to uphold a delicate ceasefire for weeks. However, the nations have failed to secure a long-term peace agreement and the risk of escalation hangs in the balance after the two countries exchanged attacks on military bases across the Middle East earlier this week.
FAQ
What did Trump say about meeting Iran's new supreme leader?
Trump stated on Thursday, May 4, that he would be "honoured" to meet Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei if a deal is made between the US and Iran, though he acknowledged he is probably not Mojtaba's "favourite person."
What happened during the February 28 strikes on Iran?
The US and Israel launched strikes on several Iranian sites on February 28, killing former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and members of his family, including Mojtaba Khamenei's wife and child. Mojtaba was seriously injured and subsequently assumed control of Iran.
What is the current status of US-Iran relations?
The US and Iran have maintained a delicate ceasefire for weeks, but have failed to secure a long-term peace agreement. The two countries exchanged attacks on military bases across the Middle East earlier this week.
