Washington: United States President Donald Trump has said that Iran’s new leadership has expressed interest in opening talks with Washington amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. In an interview with The Atlantic, Trump said Iranian leaders “want to talk” and he is willing to engage in discussions.
Trump said Tehran delayed negotiations and suggested the situation might have been different if talks had begun earlier. He did not provide details about who would represent Iran or when any meeting could take place.
The reported outreach comes during a period of deep uncertainty in Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in recent US and Israeli strikes. In the aftermath, a temporary leadership arrangement led by President Masoud Pezeshkian has assumed key responsibilities while the country prepares for a long term successor.
The strikes are reported to have killed several senior Iranian officials and military figures, weakening the leadership structure and complicating decision making. Analysts say this may be pushing Tehran toward diplomacy as it seeks stability.
Meanwhile, Iran has launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks across parts of the Middle East, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. Air travel disruptions, shipping risks in Gulf waters and rising oil price concerns have intensified global anxiety.
World leaders are urging restraint and a return to negotiations to prevent further escalation. Trump has indicated that the leadership change in Tehran could create an opportunity for a diplomatic breakthrough, though the scope of any potential talks remains unclear.
It is not yet known whether discussions would focus on a ceasefire, regional security, Iran’s nuclear programme or broader political issues. Observers are also watching how hardline factions inside Iran will respond to any engagement with Washington.
The coming days are expected to be critical as Iran moves toward appointing a new supreme leader and as diplomatic channels quietly take shape.