Donald Trump said the United States is in the 'final stages' of peace talks with Iran, while Tehran described the notion of forcing them to surrender as 'an illusion.' The President's remarks come as the US approaches three months since launching strikes against the Middle Eastern nation.
Trump's Remarks at Joint Base Andrews
'We'll either have a deal or we're going to do some things that are a little bit nasty but hopefully that won't happen,' Trump stated on Wednesday at Joint Base Andrews. He added, 'We're in the final stages of Iran. We'll see what happens.'
Iran's Response
Earlier on Wednesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian indicated via social media that his country remains open to dialogue. 'Iran has consistently honored its commitments and explored every avenue to avert war; all paths remain open from our side,' he wrote. However, he cautioned against coercion: 'Forcing Iran to surrender through coercion is nothing but an illusion. Mutual respect in diplomacy is far wiser, safer, and more sustainable than war.'
Trump-Netanyahu Phone Call
Trump also addressed reports of a 'dramatic' phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Downplaying tensions, Trump said, 'It's fine, he'll do whatever I want him to do, he's a very good man. Don't forget, he was a wartime prime minister and he's not treated right in Israel in my opinion.' He quipped about his approval rating in Israel, claiming it is 99 percent, and joked, 'Maybe after I do this, I'll go to Israel, run for prime minister.'
Details of the Call and Failed Regime Change Plot
According to Israel's Channel 12, the call was 'lengthy and dramatic.' Netanyahu reportedly doubts further negotiations will yield a peace deal and favors resuming military strikes, while Trump wants to push harder for an agreement on Iran's nuclear program. The discussion followed revelations by the New York Times that Israel, with Trump's approval, had an 'audacious' plan to install former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as Iran's leader after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in opening strikes. The plot collapsed when Ahmadinejad was wounded by an Israeli strike on his Tehran home, intended to free him from house arrest. He has not been seen since.
US Official Comments
A US official involved in negotiations told the Daily Mail, 'The failed plans for Ahmadinejad just further proves that there is no good leader within the current ranks of their government. There is no Delcy Rodriguez in Iran.' A close associate of Ahmadinejad said the US wanted him to 'play a very important role' in the country's leadership, viewing him as a potential parallel to Delcy Rodriguez, who took power in Venezuela after US forces seized Nicolas Maduro.
Impact of the War
Israeli strikes on the first day killed Ayatollah Khamenei and wiped out a meeting of senior Iranian officials. The Strait of Hormuz, carrying one-fifth of the world's oil, has been shut for months, driving up consumer and gas prices in the US. The current state of the war suggests the hardline Revolutionary Guard has tightened its grip on Iran as peace talks remain stalled.
