Trump Floats Direct Talks with Iran’s President — But on His Terms

According to Saed News, U.S. President Donald Trump has stated he is willing to meet with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, but only under certain conditions, following the announcement of renewed nuclear talks between the two countries set to take place next week in Oslo. The proposal signals Trump’s renewed interest in shaping regional diplomacy, should he return to the White House.

The president’s statement came after what he described as an “extended” phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they reportedly discussed Iran and the war in Ukraine. Speaking to reporters, Trump claimed: “Iran wants to speak with me personally. They are very hurt, very tired. I don’t want to hurt them any further.” He went on to suggest that diplomacy was now Iran’s “only option,” hinting at a potential personal meeting if deemed necessary.

The rhetoric, however, has sparked a swift response from Tehran. In a post on the official X account of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the tone was defiant:

“No human logic accepts telling a nation to surrender. The U.S. president has shown that Americans will only be satisfied with Iran's surrender—nothing less. The Iranian people must understand that this is why we oppose America. It is a great insult to ask the Iranian nation to capitulate to the Americans. Such a thing will never happen. Never.”

This unequivocal stance underscores the deep mistrust that continues to define the Iran–U.S. relationship. Still, signs of movement remain: reports confirmed that Trump’s adviser Steve Witkoff is actively in contact with Iranian counterparts, as part of an effort to lay groundwork for future discussions.

Trump also touched on the ongoing war in Gaza, stating: “I want to see the people of Gaza safe. They’ve been through hell.” While the comment offered no policy specifics, it suggests the president is attempting to position himself as a stabilizing figure in a region once again in flux.

Though a Trump–Pezeshkian meeting remains hypothetical, the very suggestion reflects the changing regional dynamics—and a diplomatic chessboard where both sides seem willing to posture, if not yet concede.