US President Donald Trump said he would be open to meeting Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, if the United States and Iran reach a peace agreement.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump said he is not actively seeking such a meeting. However, he said he would consider it if both sides successfully conclude a deal.

“I don’t want to meet. But if I did meet, I’d be honoured to meet him. I’d like to see if we make a deal, but if we make a deal, it’s possible that I would meet him. I’d be okay with it,” Trump told reporters at the White House.

Trump also spoke about Khamenei’s reputation. He acknowledged that the Iranian leader may not view him favourably but said others speak positively about him.

“I would say I’m not his favourite person, but with that being said, he’s probably a professional,” Trump said. “In some circles he has a very good reputation, actually,” he added.

Leadership Change Follows Death of Ali Khamenei

Trump made the remarks during the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. The war began on February 28 and has contributed to a global oil crisis.

During the conflict, US strikes killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s former Supreme Leader and Mojtaba Khamenei’s father. Following his death, Mojtaba Khamenei took over the country's top leadership position.

The change in leadership has drawn international attention as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue.

Trump Responds to Questions About Possible Talks

Reporters asked Trump whether such a meeting could take place in the United States. He said he had not given the idea much thought.

“I haven’t really heard too much about it. I didn’t suggest it, but some people have suggested it,” he said.

Trump's comments came only days after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed Mojtaba Khamenei’s role in ongoing diplomatic contacts.

Rubio Says Khamenei Is More Involved

Speaking during a Senate hearing on Tuesday, Rubio said Iran’s new Supreme Leader appears to be taking a more active role in talks with the United States.

“I think there are indications out there that he is increasingly engaging at some level, although all of his communications have been in writing and through intermediaries,” Rubio told lawmakers.

Rubio said Khamenei has communicated through written messages and intermediaries rather than direct talks. He suggested that the Iranian leader is becoming more involved in shaping Tehran’s approach.

Iran Rejects Meeting Proposal

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the possibility of a meeting between Trump and Khamenei. According to Iran International, Araghchi said security agencies advised against increasing Khamenei’s public appearances because of security concerns.

He stressed that Iran’s leadership remains in constant contact with the Supreme Leader despite his limited public presence.

Araghchi said communication with Khamenei remains “continuous” and that officials receive his guidance “at the appropriate time” before acting on it.

Iran Says Khamenei Has Full Authority

Araghchi also sought to underline Khamenei’s authority within the Iranian system.

“Mojtaba Khamenei is now the leader of the Islamic Republic and has a very close and influential role in the country’s developments,” Araghchi said. “He has full control of affairs," the Iranian diplomat averred.

He added that support for the new Supreme Leader remains strong.

“The same level of obedience and loyalty that existed toward the martyred leader now exists exactly toward the new leader of the revolution,” he said. His comments highlighted Iran’s effort to project unity and stability as tensions with the United States continue.