Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has categorically ruled out the possibility of a meeting between the country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and US President Donald Trump, downplaying recent remarks by Trump that hinted at such a prospect. In an interview, Araghchi stated that a meeting between the two leaders was not a realistic possibility.
"I saw a report which apparently said that he (Trump) had stated that he was ready for a meeting or that he wanted to hold a meeting. I think we should be realistic and think and live in the real world," Araghchi said, as cited by Al Jazeera.
Earlier, Trump had claimed that Iran agreed not to pursue a nuclear weapon and suggested he could meet Iran's Supreme Leader, whom he referred to as Mojtaba Khamenei, at some point if circumstances "work out." When asked whether Khamenei was involved in talks with the United States aimed at ending hostilities, Trump replied, "He's involved, absolutely. I think they have a lot of respect for him."
The US president added that he had not had "the privilege of meeting" Khamenei. "I'd like to meet him. We probably will meet at some point, depending on how it all works out," he added.
Trump further described the Iran war as a success, arguing that the country's military capabilities had been severely degraded. The conflict, triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, has roiled global energy markets and drawn growing criticism at home, with opinion polls showing limited public support ahead of November's congressional elections.
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