Donald Trump said on Monday (March 16th) that the United States is not sure who is currently leading Iran as the conflict between the two countries continues, raising doubts about the possibility of talks to end the war.
Trump told reporters at the White House that Washington did not know who he would negotiate with if talks were to begin.
“I don’t know if they’re ready yet,” Trump said. “And we don’t even know their leader. Look, all their leaders are dead as far as we know, but they’re all dead. We don’t know who we’re dealing with.”
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US claims hit several layers of leadership
Trump said the United States had targeted the top ranks of Iran’s leadership during the conflict.
According to the president, the US first eliminated the country’s top leadership, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Trump added that the second layer of leadership was also removed after they gathered to select a replacement.
“We took out the first layer, and then they gathered to choose a new leader, and we took out the second layer,” Trump said.
The “third layer” of leaders may be afraid to meet
Trump suggested that the next level of Iran’s leadership may be hesitant to hold a public event or meeting for fear of being targeted.
“I think they’re a little nervous about the meeting,” he said. “I don’t know if they’re nervous. Maybe not. Maybe they’re crazy. If they’re not nervous, then they’re crazy.”
He also said that US officials had met with individuals who claimed to represent Iran in potential talks, but their identities remained unclear.
“We have people who want to negotiate. We have no idea who they are,” Trump said.
Questions surround the alleged new supreme leader
During the exchange, senior White House correspondent Peter Doocy of Fox News asked Trump about reports that Mojtaba Khamenei had become Iran’s new supreme leader.
Trump said the individual had not been seen in public.
“Nobody saw him, which is unusual,” Trump said.
The president also repeated unverified claims about Mojtaba Khamenei’s condition.
“A lot of people are saying he’s severely disfigured,” Trump said, adding that some reports suggested he “lost a leg” and “was very badly injured.”
“Other people say he’s dead,” Trump continued. “No one is saying he is 100% healthy.
