Donald Trump told Fox News that he could be open to talks with Iran, depending on the terms, even as he criticized the country’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.
Trump’s comments come amid escalating military strikes in the Middle East, including recent attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.
In a Monday evening interview, Trump said he had heard that Tehran “wanted to talk badly” and that he might consider negotiating under favorable conditions.
However, he stressed that any talks would hinge on Iran accepting terms that align with U.S. interests.
Trump reiterated that the U.S. military operations in Iran had produced results “way beyond expectation” and expressed surprise at Iran’s missile and drone strikes against Gulf countries.
Criticism of Mojtaba Khamenei
The U.S. President criticized the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei following the killing of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Israeli strikes.
Trump called the selection “a big mistake” and suggested he would have preferred a leader capable of bringing “harmony and peace” to Iran.
He had previously hinted at wanting a role in influencing Iran’s next leadership, though he did not provide further details.
The Trump administration has demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” as U.S. strikes continued last week.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the U.S. considers the goal achieved when Iran “no longer poses a threat to the United States of America.”
Trump justified previous strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, claiming Tehran “rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions.”
The ongoing conflict has disrupted oil production and shipping across the Middle East, with U.S. gasoline prices rising nearly 17% since February 28.
Trump’s warnings come as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route, continue to affect tankers and shipping security.
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