At a fundraising event of the National Republican Congressional Committee on March 25, Donald Trump jokingly claimed that Iran had informally offered him the position of Supreme Leader. He said he declined the offer with the words “No, thank you.” He added that there was hardly any head of state who would want that position less. Trump also reiterated that indirect talks were taking place between the United States and Iran and that Tehran was seeking a deal.
The Iranian leadership strongly rejected this account, stating that no talks were taking place with the United States. Tehran described the claims as “maximalist and unreasonable” and reaffirmed that it was not engaging in negotiations. Earlier, Iran had already made clear that it would not enter talks with the US.
The tensions are also linked to recent developments in Iran’s leadership: after Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli strikes on February 28, his son Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed as the new Supreme Leader.
Iranian officials also reacted mockingly to Trump’s remarks. A military spokesperson said the United States appeared to be “talking to itself.” At the same time, Tehran rejected a 15-point peace plan proposed by Trump. The White House then warned of serious consequences if Iran did not accept a deal. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that otherwise Trump would take measures that would hit Iran harder than ever before.
Source: WION