President Donald Trump said he expects to meet Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in the future, signaling optimism about ongoing diplomatic efforts despite the challenges of negotiating with Iran’s leadership following months of conflict.
Speaking with Miranda Devine on the “Pod Force One” podcast released Wednesday, Trump said Khamenei remains actively involved in Iran’s decision-making process even though he has not appeared publicly since the war began on Feb. 28 after U.S.-Israeli airstrikes.
According to reports, Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was injured during the strikes, which also reportedly killed his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with several members of his family.
“He’s involved, absolutely,” Trump told Devine. “Yeah, I think they have a lot of respect for him.”
Trump acknowledged that Khamenei’s absence from public view has complicated diplomatic negotiations, forcing both sides to communicate through intermediaries.
“I haven’t had the privilege of meeting him … If you believe the stories, he’s missing a lot of different parts,” Trump said.
Despite those challenges, Trump suggested discussions have been moving in a positive direction.
“They say he is giving approval because that’s the way it has been for a long, long time,” Trump said. “His father and then him, I guess it’s a succession. But we seem to be getting along quite well.”
When asked whether he would like to meet Khamenei personally, Trump expressed openness to the idea.
“Yeah, I’d like to meet him. I’d love to meet everybody,” Trump said. “I would like to meet him, and we probably will meet at some point, depending on how it all works out.”
Trump has long favored direct engagement with foreign leaders, including those considered adversaries of the United States. During his first term, he met multiple times with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in an effort to reduce tensions over North Korea’s nuclear program. He also pursued direct talks with Taliban leaders during peace negotiations involving Afghanistan.
The president’s comments mark a notable shift in tone from previous criticisms of Mojtaba Khamenei. In earlier remarks, Trump described the Iranian leader as a “lightweight” and an “unacceptable” choice to lead the country.
While no meeting has been scheduled, Trump’s latest remarks suggest the possibility of future face-to-face diplomacy.
