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While speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that he would be open to meeting Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Trump insisted that such a meeting is possible if the two sides reach a peace deal.
"I don't want to meet. But if I did meet, I'd be honoured to meet him. I'd like to see if we make a deal, but if we make a deal, it's possible that I would meet him. I'd be okay with it," Trump told reporters at the White House. "I would say I'm not his favourite person, but with that being said, he's probably a professional," Trump said. "In some circles he has a very good reputation, actually," he added.
It is pertinent to note that the United States has been at war with Iran since February 28, a conflict that has led to a global oil crisis. During the war, US strikes on Iran killed Mojtaba's father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, paving the way for the former to take over.
When asked if such a meeting could happen in the United States, Trump insisted: "I haven't really heard too much about it. I didn't suggest it, but some people have suggested it." The remarks from the American leader came just days after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a Senate hearing that he believes Iran's new supreme leader is alive and is "increasingly engaging" in the ongoing US-Iran talks.
"I think there are indications out there that he is increasingly engaging at some level, although all of his communications have been in writing and through intermediaries," Rubio told lawmakers at a Senate hearing on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the idea of a meeting between Trump and Mojtaba amid the escalating conflict between Tehran and Washington DC. Araghchi said security agencies had advised against increasing Khamenei’s public appearances because of security considerations, Iran International reported.
He added that communication with Khamenei remains “continuous” and that his guidance is received “at the appropriate time” and followed accordingly.
“Mojtaba Khamenei is now the leader of the Islamic Republic and has a very close and influential role in the country’s developments,” Araghchi said. “He has full control of affairs," the Iranian diplomat averred.
“The same level of obedience and loyalty that existed toward the martyred leader now exists exactly toward the new leader of the revolution,” he said.
"I don't want to meet. But if I did meet, I'd be honoured to meet him. I'd like to see if we make a deal, but if we make a deal, it's possible that I would meet him. I'd be okay with it," Trump told reporters at the White House. "I would say I'm not his favourite person, but with that being said, he's probably a professional," Trump said. "In some circles he has a very good reputation, actually," he added.
Trump: If I did meet with the new Ayatollah, I would be honored to meet him.
Doocy: Do you think because Epic Fury killed his killed his dad and his wife and his kid that he's has hard feelings?
Trump: I would say I'm not his favorite person, but with that being said, he's… pic.twitter.com/fPEacCZVsU
— Acyn (@Acyn) June 4, 2026
It is pertinent to note that the United States has been at war with Iran since February 28, a conflict that has led to a global oil crisis. During the war, US strikes on Iran killed Mojtaba's father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, paving the way for the former to take over.
US' increasing focus on Mojtaba
When asked if such a meeting could happen in the United States, Trump insisted: "I haven't really heard too much about it. I didn't suggest it, but some people have suggested it." The remarks from the American leader came just days after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a Senate hearing that he believes Iran's new supreme leader is alive and is "increasingly engaging" in the ongoing US-Iran talks.
"I think there are indications out there that he is increasingly engaging at some level, although all of his communications have been in writing and through intermediaries," Rubio told lawmakers at a Senate hearing on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the idea of a meeting between Trump and Mojtaba amid the escalating conflict between Tehran and Washington DC. Araghchi said security agencies had advised against increasing Khamenei’s public appearances because of security considerations, Iran International reported.
He added that communication with Khamenei remains “continuous” and that his guidance is received “at the appropriate time” and followed accordingly.
“Mojtaba Khamenei is now the leader of the Islamic Republic and has a very close and influential role in the country’s developments,” Araghchi said. “He has full control of affairs," the Iranian diplomat averred.
“The same level of obedience and loyalty that existed toward the martyred leader now exists exactly toward the new leader of the revolution,” he said.
