05.06.2026 00:21
US President Donald Trump made groundbreaking statements about Iran's new religious leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, despite the military operation that caused his family to be lost; Trump described Khamenei as 'Probably a professional,' and said, 'I don't want to meet with the Ayatollah, but if I do, I would be honored to meet with him. If we reach a deal, it might be possible to meet with him. In some circles, he actually has a very good reputation.'
US President Donald Trump answered journalists' questions at a press conference held at the White House, making striking statements that will shape foreign policy. Trump signaled a possible compromise with Iran and used groundbreaking language on many critical topics, from sanctions on Cuba to the peace process in Lebanon.
"I AM OPEN TO MEETING MOJTABA KHAMENEI IF WE REACH AN AGREEMENT"
When asked about the possibility of meeting with Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, Trump left the door open to diplomacy, saying:
"If we reach an agreement, it might be possible for me to meet with him. I am open to it. In some circles, he actually has a very good reputation. Some people say bad things about him, but many people also say bad things about me; of course, those are all lies."
Referring to Khamenei, who lost his father, wife, and child in the recent 'Operation Epic Fury,' Trump assessed, "I am not his favorite person, but he is probably a professional." He left a diplomatic door open by adding, "I don't want to meet with the Ayatollah, but if I did meet with him, I would be honored and treat him with respect." Trump also sharply criticized former presidents Biden and Obama, accusing them of encouraging Iran to obtain nuclear weapons.
"AFTER IRAN, WE WILL LOOK AT CUBA"
Clearly stating that the next target in US foreign policy priorities is Cuba, Trump said, "I like to do one thing at a time. After Iran, we will look at Cuba."
When a journalist asked, "Are the sanctions you imposed on Cuba designed to hasten the collapse of the regime?" Trump replied, "No, we just want them to be a well-governed country that can feed its own people."
"LEBANON HAS BEEN LIKE A PUNCHING BAG FOR YEARS; IT WOULD BE GREAT FOR THEM TO ACHIEVE PEACE"
The US President also touched on recent developments in the Middle East and the situation in Lebanon, using a striking tone regarding ceasefires and peace efforts in the region. Stating that Lebanon has been under attack for years, Trump expressed that Washington continues its diplomatic contacts in the region: "Lebanon has always been like a punching bag. It would be really great for them to finally achieve peace. I have personally discussed this issue with both Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and Hezbollah."