Iranian President Masoud Peseshkian stated that one of the conditions for a potential meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump must be Washington’s confirmation that it has no intentions to seek a change of power in the Islamic Republic by force.
“First, we need to overcome the distrust caused by this war,” Peseshkian said in an interview with CBS News on September 25. “We must act in accordance with what we have signed. The United States must demonstrate that it does not intend to overthrow either our government or our administration.”
Speaking about possible negotiations with Trump, the Iranian leader urged taking into account the consequences of the recent conflict between states. He emphasized that restoring trust between the parties is essential.
“Put yourself in our shoes,” Peseshkian added. “Imagine that someone came and killed your supreme leader. And then he did not fulfill all the agreements that had been reached. What would be your reaction? This is not something that can be solved so easily.”
Washington has described the negotiations at the UN General Assembly as “promising,” but experts remain highly skeptical.
On September 24, Peseshkian indicated Tehran was prepared to conclude an agreement with Washington to end the conflict before the November U.S. midterm elections. He also stated his intention to reach a deal with the United States in compliance with international law.
On September 22, Trump announced that contacts between Washington and Tehran had taken place regarding possible negotiations. The President expressed confidence that relations were progressing and an agreement would eventually be reached. Additionally, Trump asserted that the U.S. would not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons.
