President Trump says Iran’s new leadership has expressed a willingness to engage in negotiations with the United States following a major U.S.–Israeli military operation that killed Iran’s supreme leader and other top officials. Trump confirmed the development in an interview with The Atlantic from Mar-a-Lago, stating he has agreed to talks even as military actions continue.
Trump told The Atlantic that Iran’s “new leaders… want to talk” and that he plans to speak with them, though he did not specify a timeline for when discussions would begin. He criticized Iran for delaying diplomacy in the past, saying they “played too cute” and “should have done it sooner.” Trump noted that several Iranian officials involved in previous negotiations are no longer alive following the strikes.
Iran’s leadership is currently in flux. After the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a three-member interim council — including Masoud Pezeshkian — assumed the responsibilities of the supreme leader’s office. This interim body is overseeing a temporary transition until a new supreme leader is selected.
A senior White House official confirmed that Iranian officials have signaled openness to engagement with the U.S., though military operations remain ongoing and intense. According to the official, the conflict and diplomatic overtures are unfolding simultaneously, and the administration has not yet announced details on formal negotiations or their scope.
The comments from Trump come amid heightened regional tensions and continuing military activity. Three U.S. service members have died and several others have been wounded in the broader campaign. Administration officials emphasize that while diplomacy may be possible, military pressure and strategic objectives remain at the forefront of U.S. policy.
