- Trump claimed Iran is secretly negotiating with Washington despite public denials
- President said Iranian leaders fear being killed by their people or the US if talks are revealed
- He made an unverified claim Iran offered him the role of Supreme Leader, which he rejected
US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran is secretly negotiating with Washington, even as Tehran continues to publicly deny any such engagement. Speaking at the annual National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) fundraising dinner in Washington DC, Trump said Iranian leaders are “afraid” to acknowledge talks.
“They are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly, but they're afraid to say it because they figure they'll be killed by their own people. They're also afraid they'll be killed by us,” he told Republican donors.
His remarks come amid consistent denials from Tehran, including statements from Iran's foreign ministry earlier this week rejecting any negotiations with the US.
Trump described the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as a “military operation” rather than a war, suggesting the terminology avoids the need for congressional approval. He also claimed the US was “decimating” Iran and achieving “great military triumphs” that are not being shown publicly.
Escalating his rhetoric further, Trump warned that Iran would have used a nuclear weapon against the US “without hesitation” if not for American intervention. “The entire world would be under mortal threat,” he said, adding that Washington had already “cut out the cancer” and would “finish it.”
Also Read: Iran Rejects Pakistan-Mediated Offer For Truce With US
In a striking and unverified claim, Trump also said Iranian leaders had informally floated the idea of him becoming the country's Supreme Leader following the reported killing of Ali Khamenei.
“There's never been a head of a country that wanted that job less than being the head of Iran… They say, ‘We'd like to make you the next supreme leader.' No, thank you. I don't want it,” Trump said.
Iran, however, has elevated Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader, following the assassination of his father, according to state-linked reports.
While the White House maintains that diplomatic efforts are ongoing, Tehran has laid out conditions for any potential ceasefire. These reportedly include guarantees against future US and Israeli strikes, reparations for war damages, and recognition of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz.
Also Read: Trump Says Iran Seeks Deal After 'Very Big Present'; Tehran Denies Talks
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
