Iran's Foreign Minister Rejects Trump's Suggestion Of Meeting Khamenei

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has downplayed remarks by US President Donald Trump about a possible meeting with Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Araghchi said discussions about such a meeting should be viewed realistically, signalling Tehran's cautious approach to diplomatic overtures from Washington amid ongoing tensions between the two countries.

Speaking about Trump's comments, Araghchi said reports suggesting that the US president was willing to hold a meeting with Khamenei should be assessed in practical terms. According to remarks reported by Al Jazeera, the Iranian foreign minister stated that people should “be realistic and think and live in the real world,” indicating that Tehran does not currently view the prospect of such a meeting as a priority.

Trump had earlier told reporters at the White House that he would be open to meeting Khamenei if it could help secure an agreement between the United States and Iran. The US president said he would be “honored” to meet the Iranian leader and stressed that he would approach any such encounter respectfully, despite acknowledging that he is unlikely to be viewed favorably by Tehran's leadership.

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The president also suggested that the idea of a meeting had been raised by others rather than by him directly. He said he had not heard extensive discussion about the proposal but would not oppose it if it contributed to diplomatic progress. Trump added that while he may not be Khamenei's “favorite person,” he believed the Iranian leader was regarded as a professional in certain circles.

The exchange comes as relations between Washington and Tehran remain under close international scrutiny. Any direct engagement between the leaders of the two countries would represent a significant diplomatic development, given decades of strained ties and repeated disagreements over regional security, sanctions and Iran's nuclear programme.

While Trump's comments appeared to leave the door open for future dialogue, Araghchi's response suggested that Iran remains focused on practical realities rather than speculative diplomatic scenarios. For now, there has been no indication from Tehran that a meeting between the two leaders is being actively considered, leaving the prospect uncertain despite the public remarks from Washington.

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