Trump says he could meet Iran's supreme leader 'if it was to make a deal'
US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House he would be open to meeting Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei 'if it was to make a deal'. The comment marks a softening in tone after months of Persian Gulf tensions and the Strait of Hormuz tanker crisis.
CNBC Top NewsSpeaking briefly in the Oval Office, Trump said he was opening the door to direct diplomacy with Iran's supreme leader. 'If it was to make a deal, yes, I would meet,' the president said. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said intermediary channels could be explored if needed, but Tehran has not publicly responded.
The remark came as the US Navy continued to coordinate safe transit for commercial ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Aaron David Miller, a former US State Department official, told CNBC: 'Trump's tactic is to force negotiation through extraordinary sanctions pressure; Khamenei's response will be decisive.' Iranian state agency IRNA said Tehran remained open to constructive dialogue but would not accept preconditions.
Markets eased on the news, with Brent crude slipping as traders priced in the possibility of a diplomatic opening. Analysts cautioned, however, that the picture could shift before the Senate's planned 12 June vote on a War Powers Resolution related to Iran. This is not investment advice.
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