Iran Firmly Rejects Trump's Overture to Meet Mojtaba Khamenei

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has rejected the possibility of a meeting between US President Donald Trump and the nation’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. Trump had earlier opened the door to talks, telling the New York Post: ‘Yes, I would like to meet with him,’ and adding that ‘we might meet sometime, depending on how everything goes.’ However, Iran’s chief diplomat downplayed the chances in an interview broadcast on Thursday evening, describing the scenario as unrealistic. ‘I saw a report that seemed to say he [Trump] has stated he is ready to meet or that he wants to hold a meeting,’ Araghchi told the Al Mayadeen television channel. ‘I think we need to be realistic and think and live in the real world,’ he continued. Araghchi disclosed that during the attack which killed Ali Khamenei, he was inside the leader’s office in a different wing of the building and was unharmed. The assault prompted Iran to retaliate with missile and drone strikes against Israel and US allies in the Gulf region. The minister added that the new Supreme Leader has a ‘very close and effective presence in state affairs and has full control.’ He attributed Mojtaba Khamenei’s absence from public view since his appointment to ‘security considerations’ surrounding the war, which has been temporarily halted since 8 April by a fragile ceasefire. Previously, Trump had stated he might meet with Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei if a deal were reached between the two countries, saying he would feel ‘honoured’ to do so.