Green light from the White House to Tehran: 'I could meet with Khamenei...'

US President Donald Trump made a striking statement as diplomatic contacts continue between Washington and Tehran. Stating that he could meet face-to-face with Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in the future, Trump said, "It seems we are getting along quite well in the negotiations."

US President Donald Trump made groundbreaking remarks regarding the tense relations and back-channel diplomacy on the Washington-Tehran line during his appearance on the "Pod Force One" podcast. Trump left the door open for Mojtaba Khamenei, the figure at the top of Iran's decision-making mechanism.

"THAT'S HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS: FIRST HIS FATHER, NOW HIM..."

Referring to the governance structure in Iran and the Supreme Leader's absolute authority in the country, Trump stated that he is aware of Mojtaba Khamenei's weight at the table. Trump used the following expressions:

"I think Mojtaba Khamenei is influential in the decision-making process in Iran. He is definitely involved in the process. Yes, I think they have great respect for him. They say he gives the approval; that's how the system has worked for a long time. First his father, now him... However, despite all this complex structure, it seems we are getting along quite well in the negotiations."

"WE WILL PROBABLY MEET AT SOME POINT"

Giving a clear answer to the program host's question about whether he would meet face-to-face with the Iranian leader, the US President pointed to the diplomatic table:

"Yes, I would like to meet with him. I would like to meet with everyone. I haven't had the opportunity to meet him in person yet."

"We will probably come together and meet at some point, but that depends entirely on how everything develops in the coming process and the course of the negotiations."

TRUMP'S "U-TURN" IN RHETORIC DRAWS ATTENTION

In international analyses, this moderate and constructive tone from Trump was interpreted as a remarkable shift in tone. This is because the US President had previously made quite harsh and critical statements regarding Mojtaba Khamenei, openly questioning his suitability and legitimacy for the leadership role in Iran.

Despite ongoing sanctions and regional tensions, this potential summit, which has emerged as a possibility between the two leaders, is being evaluated as a diplomatic move with the power to change all balances in the Middle East.

News Source: 12punto