President Donald Trump of the United States has revealed that Iran's new leadership is seeking to restart discussions with Washington following a joint military action with Israel. He stated that he has agreed to engage in dialogue.
In a phone interview with The Atlantic, Trump mentioned, "Iranian authorities want to talk, and I have agreed to speak with them."
This conversation took place a day after the strikes that resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several top leaders of the Iranian regime.
Trump emphasized that Iran delayed too long in trying to reach an agreement. "They should have done it earlier. It was quite simple to do, yet they waited too long," he commented from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
When asked about the timeline for the new talks, Trump refrained from providing specifics.
He also noted that several Iranian officials who were involved in previous negotiations are no longer alive after the bombings.
In earlier statements shared on social media, Trump urged the Iranian population to use this moment to shift the country's political direction following the military campaign.
However, when questioned by The Atlantic about whether the U.S. would extend its attacks to support a potential internal uprising, he stated that he would assess the situation when necessary.
The president expressed optimism about changes occurring within Iran's political landscape, noting instances of support in various cities.
At the same time, he acknowledged the dangers posed by the ongoing bombings.
The interview was released shortly before U.S. military officials confirmed the deaths of three soldiers and serious injuries to five others in the operation—Washington's first acknowledged casualties since the offensive began.
Amid the military developments, Trump argued that the campaign will not hinder the U.S. economy and downplayed concerns about its impact on oil prices, despite the volatility caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
Key Questions About U.S.-Iran Relations
What prompted Iran to seek talks with the U.S.?
Following a joint military action with Israel that resulted in significant casualties among Iranian leadership, Iran's new leadership expressed interest in restarting discussions with the United States.
What was President Trump's response to Iran's request to talk?
President Trump stated he has agreed to engage in dialogue with Iranian authorities, indicating a willingness to communicate with Iran's new leadership.
How does the military conflict affect the U.S. economy and oil prices?
President Trump assured that the military campaign will not negatively impact the U.S. economy and minimized concerns about potential increases in oil prices, despite the conflict's volatility.