Iran dismisses idea of Trump meeting supreme leader
Araghchi said Mojtaba Khamenei’s absence from public view since his appointment was “due to security considerations” surrounding the war, which has been paused since 8 April by a fragile ceasefire.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has dismissed the idea of his country's supreme leader meeting Donald Trump, after the US president floated the prospect, reports AFP.
On Wednesday, Trump told the New York Post, "Yeah, I'd like to meet him," when he was asked about a possible encounter.
He added that "we probably will meet at some point, depending on how it all works out."
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Iran's top diplomat however played down the chances in an interview with Lebanese media aired on Thursday night, suggesting it was not realistic.
"I saw a report which apparently said that he [Trump] had stated that he was ready for a meeting or that he wanted to hold a meeting," Araghchi told Al Mayadeen television channel.
"I think we should be realistic and think and live in the real world," he said.
Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed Iran's supreme leader in March after the death of his father and predecessor Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes on 28 February.
Araghchi also said the new supreme leader has a "completely close and effective presence in the country's affairs and has full control."
He said Mojtaba Khamenei's absence from public view since his appointment was "due to security considerations" surrounding the war, which has been paused since 8 April by a fragile ceasefire.
Mediated and direct talks between Iran and the United States have so far failed to produce a permanent end to the conflict.
