Trump does not rule out negotiations with Iran

Washington — US President Donald Trump on Tuesday stated that he does not entirely rule out the possibility of conducting negotiations with Iran.

“It’s possible, depending on the terms, it’s possible, just possible… You know, actually we don’t need to talk anymore, if you really think about it, but it’s possible,” Trump said to Fox News when asked about the prospect.

The President also stated that he does not believe Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who has been appointed as Iran’s new supreme leader, “can live in peace.”

On Monday, Trump expressed that he was “disappointed” with Mojtaba Khamenei’s selection as supreme leader.

On 28 February, the United States and Israel launched strikes against targets in Iran, including Tehran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran subsequently retaliated by attacking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East.

The US and Israel initially claimed that the “preemptive” strikes were necessary to counter threats they considered to stem from Iran’s nuclear programme, but they soon made clear their desire to see a change of power in Iran.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reported killed during the first day of the military operation. The Islamic Republic of Iran declared a national period of mourning lasting 40 days.

Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin characterised the killing of Khamenei as a cynical violation of international law. Russia’s Foreign Ministry condemned the US-Israeli operation and called for immediate de-escalation and cessation of hostilities.