On 23/3, US President Donald Trump stated he was negotiating with a "top leader" in Iran. When questioned about the identity of this individual, Trump remarked, "That is a high-ranking leader. Let's not forget we eliminated their leadership in stage one, stage two, and much of stage three. But we are working with someone I believe is the most respected and a leader."
Trump did not disclose the identity of this "top leader," but confirmed that Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner were involved in negotiations with the Iranian side.
Trump's statement followed his remarks that the US and Iran had held productive discussions over the past two days regarding a comprehensive resolution to hostilities in the Middle East. However, Fars and Mehr News, outlets linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), refuted Trump's claims, stating Iran had no contact with the US.
When reporters pressed further on whether the US was discussing with Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Trump denied it.
"We have not heard anything about this person. Occasionally you will see statements made by the Iranian side, but we are not sure if he is alive," Trump said.
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US President Donald Trump in Palm Beach, Florida, on 23/3. Photo: AP |
US President Donald Trump in Palm Beach, Florida, on 23/3. Photo: AP
The White House chief added that the US and Iran had reached 15 points of agreement during negotiations, but he only specified one: Tehran's "commitment not to possess nuclear weapons," a stance the country has previously declared.
"I think they have done very well. I believe if they continue to do that, this conflict will end completely," Trump stated, adding that Iran initiated the negotiations.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said it would "soon be opened" and that Washington and Tehran would jointly control this vital shipping lane.
"I and Iran's next grand ayatollah, whoever that may be, will do this," Trump said, adding there would be "regime change" in Iran. He did not elaborate on this information.
Trump further revealed that the group the US is negotiating with is "very reasonable and steadfast." He added, "The people within that system know who they are, they are very respected, and perhaps one of them will be the person we are looking for."
Trump had previously announced he was negotiating with Iran to resolve the conflict between the two sides and had canceled plans to strike the country's power plants, a threat made with a 48-hour deadline.
Iran has not issued an official response to Trump's statements. However, Fars suggested Trump canceled the ultimatum "after hearing that Iran would retaliate by attacking every power plant in the region."
Following the US-Israel attack on Iran on 28/2, Tehran nearly closed the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation, forcing nations reliant on this shipping route to urgently seek alternatives and utilize reserves.
The US recently reinforced its forces and equipment, and called on allies for support to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Iran granted "special passage" to some countries' vessels but threatened to attack any US, Israeli, or allied ships traversing the area.
Clashes over the past three weeks have resulted in over 2,000 fatalities across the Middle East. Disruptions to supply from the Gulf region have also caused global fuel prices to surge, leading to a risk of widespread inflation.
By Ngoc Anh (According to CNN, AFP, and AP)
