Trump Retreats After Supreme Leader’s Threat to Expand War Across the Region

According to the political news service of Saed News, citing Anadolu Agency, a journalist asked Trump on Sunday night at Mar-a-Lago in Florida: “Iran’s Supreme Leader said today that a U.S. attack could trigger a regional war. What do you think?”

Trump replied: “Why shouldn’t they say that? Of course, they say it. We have the largest and most powerful ship in the world there, very close. I hope we reach an agreement.”

The Supreme Leader’s remarks on Sunday, during a meeting with various groups of the Iranian people on the occasion of 12 Bahman, drew widespread international media attention, focusing on his warning of a regional war if the U.S. attacks.

Meanwhile, Axios reported Sunday night, citing “a senior U.S. official,” that the Trump administration has communicated to Iran through multiple channels that it is ready to meet for negotiations on a potential agreement.

Axios also cited “two regional sources” stating that Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar are attempting to facilitate a meeting later this week in Ankara between Steve Witkoff, the U.S. President’s special representative, and senior Iranian officials.

On Sunday, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, gave a detailed interview to CNN, answering questions about tensions between Iran and the U.S., and efforts to manage these tensions and prevent U.S. provocations.

The foreign minister said: “As I have said, President Trump has stated that there should be no nuclear weapons, and we fully agree with him. We can negotiate on our nuclear program to ensure its entirely peaceful nature and that it remains peaceful forever. In return, we expect sanctions to be lifted. Such an agreement is possible. Let’s focus on what is achievable and not miss the opportunity to reach a fair and equitable agreement to guarantee no nuclear weapons are developed. As I have said and I repeat, this is even achievable in the short term.”