Day 99 | Iran dismisses idea of Trump meeting supreme leader as talks stall
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has dismissed the idea of his country's supreme leader meeting Donald Trump, after the US president floated the prospect.
On Wednesday, Trump told the New York Post: "Yeah, I'd like to meet him," when he was asked about a possible encounter, adding that "we probably will meet at some point, depending on how it all works out".
Iran's top diplomat however played down the chances in an interview with Lebanese media aired on Thursday night, suggesting it was not realistic.
"I saw a report which apparently said that he (Trump) had stated that he was ready for a meeting or that he wanted to hold a meeting," Araghchi told Al Mayadeen television channel.
"I think we should be realistic and think and live in the real world," he said.
Mediated and direct talks between Iran and the United States have so far failed to produce a permanent end to the conflict.
Reports said US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with a team of technical experts at a national laboratory in Tennessee on Thursday, a US official told CNN.
Axios reported that the White House is seeking a memorandum of understanding with Iran aimed at extending a ceasefire and launching detailed talks on Tehran's nuclear program.
According to the officials cited, Washington has received positive signals from Iranian negotiators, though internal divisions within Iran could complicate progress toward a broader deal.
The two sides are “still at odds on several details,” and it “remains unclear” whether an agreement will be reached, the report adds.
US strikes radar installations in Iran
US forces attacked radar sites on Iran's coast Friday, the US military said in the latest flare-up to threaten the ceasefire in the Mideast war.
US Central Command said in a statement that US forces shot down four Iranian one-way attack drones launched toward the Strait of Hormuz, then attacked Iranian coastal surveillance radar sites in the city of Goruk and on Qeshm Island.
The US command said the drones posed an immediate threat to maritime traffic.
Trump says Iran has only 21-22% of missiles after US Strikes
US President Donald Trump has stated that his country’s military "totally destroyed" Iran's military capabilities following intensified operations in the region.
In recent remarks, Trump highlighted significant degradation of Iranian forces, including the navy, air force, and missile infrastructure.
According to Trump, Iran retains approximately 21% to 22% of its missile inventory.
"That's a lot of missiles," he noted, while emphasizing that the majority of launch platforms, drone factories, and manufacturing areas have been neutralized.
Trump attributed Iran's hesitation to finalize a US deal to the character of its leadership.
"They haven't agreed because they're strong, they're proud," he observed.
Nevertheless, he maintained that Tehran ultimately has "no choice" but to reach an agreement, given the diminished state of its military assets and the strategic pressures it faces.
The comments reflect the current phase of US-Iran dynamics, which include demands for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping, the elimination of Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions, and the secure removal or destruction of highly enriched uranium stockpiles.
Negotiations continue amid a fragile ceasefire framework, with Trump expressing confidence in achieving a resolution.
US intelligence assessments have presented a more nuanced picture, suggesting Iran retains a notable portion of its pre-conflict missile capabilities despite heavy losses.
Iran launches drones toward Strait of Hormuz: CNN
Iran has launched multiple drones toward the Strait of Hormuz, according to a CNN report citing a US official.
The US military shot down at least four, the official added.
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Read more: Day 98 | Trump says he would be ‘honoured’ to meet Iran’s supreme leader
