President Trump announced on Thursday that he would be honored to meet with Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, provided that a formal deal is reached to bring an end to the ongoing conflict, The Hill reported. This development comes as the U.S. and Iran remain locked in a war that has now persisted for four months, creating significant instability in global markets and pushing domestic fuel prices to uncomfortable levels.

During a session with reporters in the Oval Office, following an announcement regarding coal, the president clarified his stance on potential diplomacy with the Iranian leadership. The president is keeping his options open regarding direct communication with the new supreme leader. When asked if he might be concerned about lingering hard feelings given the U.S. military actions, specifically the strikes that resulted in the death of the former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with members of his family during Operation Epic Fury, the president remained pragmatic.

He noted that while he is likely not the leader’s favorite person, he expects a level of professional conduct from the Iranian side. Trump stated, “I would say I’m not his favorite person, but with that being said, he’s probably a professional.” He further suggested that the new leader maintains a positive standing in certain areas, remarking, “In some circles he has a very good reputation actually.”

Trump is only willing to meet Khamenei after a broader agreement is reached

Trump explained his thought process by saying, “I don’t want to meet, but if I did meet, I’d be honored to meet him.” He continued by emphasizing that the primary objective remains the finalization of a deal. “I’d like to see if we make a deal, but if we make a deal, it’s possible I would meet him,” he said, adding, “I’d be OK with that.”

This cautious optimism follows recent comments made during a Pod Force One podcast interview on Wednesday, where the president mentioned that the new supreme leader is actively involved in the ongoing talks. He noted that there appears to be significant respect for the new leader, stating, “I think they have a lot of respect for him.”

Acknowledging that Mojtaba Khamenei's father (former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei) was killed in the opening US.-Israeli military strikes of the war, President Trump said, "I would say I'm not his favorite person".

However, he expects the new Ayatollah in Iran to act as a… pic.twitter.com/W66678p6rE

— Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) June 5, 2026

Despite these statements, the reality on the ground remains complex. The new supreme leader has not made a public appearance since the war began, which adds a layer of uncertainty to the negotiations. Furthermore, the U.S. has maintained a firm position that Iran must not possess a nuclear weapon and that the Strait of Hormuz must be opened to international shipping.

The closure of the strait, a vital artery for approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, has been a major point of contention and a primary driver for the current economic strain. As of Thursday, the national average price for a gallon of gas reached roughly $4.24, illustrating the tangible impact these geopolitical tensions are having on everyday life for people across the country.

The negotiation process itself has been characterized by conflicting signals. Earlier this week, on Monday, Iranian state media reported that their negotiators intended to halt discussions and completely shut down the Strait of Hormuz. However, the narrative shifted on Wednesday when the president claimed that Iran had reached an agreement to refrain from pursuing nuclear weapons.

The situation is currently governed by a fragile, tenuous ceasefire that has held for several weeks, though it remains vulnerable to the competing demands of both nations. The U.S. is pushing for the immediate opening of the waterway, while the Iranian side is seeking an immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts and the removal of the U.S. naval blockade currently targeting Iranian ports.

Navigating these demands is a massive undertaking, and the president’s openness to a meeting suggests a desire to break the stalemate. While the path forward is anything but clear, the willingness to entertain a high-level diplomatic summit indicates that the administration is looking for ways to resolve the issues surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and the nuclear question.

Whether this leads to a lasting peace or remains a point of contention depends on the next few steps in these high-stakes negotiations. For now, the administration is prioritizing the security of the strait and the prevention of nuclear proliferation as the cornerstones of any potential deal that could eventually lead to the president sitting down with the supreme leader.

President Trump has given Iran a 10 to 15-day window to come to the negotiating table, or face significant consequences. This tight timeline has put nuclear diplomacy in the spotlight, but experts say this deadline may not be as simple as Tehran believes.

Trump’s deadlines have historically worked as both a warning and a strategic tool. Back in June, he said he would decide on a strike against Iran “within the next two weeks,” but made that decision just two days later. According to Fox News, Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran, points out that the Iranian regime has been “deluding itself, thinking they can treat President Trump like President Obama.”

There is also significant skepticism within the administration that these talks will lead to any real breakthrough. Brodsky believes the talks may serve a dual purpose, sharpening the choices for Iranian leadership while buying time for the U.S. to position military assets in the region. The presence of the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Mediterranean Sea supports this idea of strategic positioning.

Iran’s red lines and stalling tactics make a genuine deal look unlikely

From Iran’s side, a Middle Eastern source familiar with the negotiations says Tehran understands how close the risk of war feels right now and is unlikely to deliberately provoke Trump. As Iran firmly rules out any submission in ongoing talks, Iran cannot accept limitations on its short-range missile program, a firm red line set by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. For Iranian negotiators, conceding on missiles would be seen internally as the equivalent of losing a war.

Brodsky believes Iran’s core positions have not changed much. He thinks they are throwing out “shiny objects” and distractions to avoid making the concessions Trump is demanding, including zero enrichment, dismantling nuclear infrastructure, limiting missiles, and ending support for terror groups.

A senior administration official told USA Today that Trump could decide to strike Iran as soon as this weekend. He could also strike Iran next weekend or never. – USA Today

— WW3 Monitor (@WW3_Monitor) February 21, 2026

Behnam Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, warns that Tehran may be preparing a proposal that simply puts the current situation on paper, making the U.S. “pay for something it already achieved.” He says Iran wants three things: to prevent a strike, to use negotiations to undermine Iranian dissidents, and to secure sanctions relief and financial stabilization.

Taleblu also notes that while the administration clearly does not want a nuclear Iran or a prolonged war in the Middle East, the military assets being moved into the region signal they are prepared for one anyway. Reports show that a second carrier strike group is already moving into position as diplomacy continues.

BREAKING: Iran says US officials have accepted their red line of continuing to enrich uranium and both sides are seeking a “fast deal," per Bloomberg.

After recent talks in Geneva:

1. Idea that Iran would completely stop nuclear enrichment was dismissed

2. Negotiations are…

— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) February 21, 2026

Jacob Olidort, chief research officer at the America First Policy Institute, adds that the scope of any potential military action remains unpredictable, whether it would serve as a new layer of diplomatic pressure or achieve what diplomacy could not.

On the ground in Iran, public sentiment is deeply divided. Many Iranians view a foreign military invasion as unacceptable, but widespread anger over the killing of young protesters continues to fuel domestic tensions and uncertainty inside the country.

New satellite images and flight tracking data show a sharp surge in U.S. military aircraft at a base in central Jordan, according to The New York Times. The buildup is turning the base into a key hub as the United States weighs options tied to ongoing talks with Iran over its nuclear program.

Imagery captured on Friday shows more than 60 attack aircraft parked at the Muwaffaq Salti base, roughly triple the number typically stationed there. Flight tracking data also indicates that at least 68 cargo planes have landed at the base since Sunday, underscoring what appears to be a sustained logistical operation rather than a temporary adjustment.

The satellite photos show a visible shift in the types of aircraft present. Among them are F-35 stealth fighters, along with drones and helicopters, signaling an emphasis on advanced strike and surveillance capabilities. The report also notes that soldiers have installed additional air defense systems designed to shield the base from potential Iranian missile attacks.

The buildup signals a wider regional deployment as talks continue

The activity at Muwaffaq Salti is described as part of a broader U.S. deployment across the Middle East as diplomatic negotiations with Iran continue. President Trump told reporters on Friday that he is considering a limited military strike intended to pressure Iran into reaching a deal, amid Trump’s 10-day Iran warning.

New York Times: Muafak Salti Air Base in eastern Jordan has become a major hub for U.S. air assets that have been part of the buildup. At least two waves of strike aircraft arrived at the base between mid-January and mid-February, bringing the number there to nearly 30

Flight…

— מנדי אצרף Mandy Azraf (@8gzMGsCAUl51201) February 19, 2026

Officials familiar with the matter have characterized the aircraft movement as precautionary, but the scale of the buildup has drawn attention from analysts tracking regional military activity. The combination of increased strike aircraft, cargo flights, and newly installed defensive systems suggests preparation for multiple contingencies while talks remain ongoing.

Jordanian officials, speaking anonymously about operational matters, confirmed that the American planes and equipment are deployed under an existing defense agreement between Jordan and the United States. While hosting the expanded U.S. presence, those officials also expressed hope that negotiations between Washington and Tehran will produce an agreement that prevents a broader conflict.

The report adds that officials from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have publicly praised the diplomatic discussions in recent weeks. At the same time, they have stated they would bar attacks on Iran from being launched from their territory, reinforcing the delicate balance regional governments are attempting to maintain.

The developments unfold as political tensions involving the administration remain under scrutiny at home, including a DOJ Trump banner dispute. The Aircraft movements in Jordan now stand as one of the most visible signs of how seriously the United States is preparing for potential escalation, even as diplomatic channels remain open.