Trump sought diplomatic talks with Iran but ‘supreme leader’ nowhere to be found
In recent developments, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the “supreme leader” of Iran, was notably absent from potential negotiations with the United States in Turkey last week. This absence raised concerns as the U.S. military launched attacks on Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend. President Donald Trump had been working with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to arrange high-level talks between U.S. and Iranian officials in Istanbul.
Trump had proposed sending Vice President JD Vance and White House envoy Steve Witkoff to Turkey for the negotiations. He even offered to personally attend the meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss a diplomatic resolution to the Israel-Iran conflict and a potential nuclear deal. There were signals from Iranian back channels indicating their willingness to engage in talks before the planned meeting.
However, communication breakdowns occurred when Pezeshkian and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were unable to reach Khamenei for approval. This led to the cancellation of the meeting, as the Iranians conveyed that they could not proceed without Khamenei’s consent.
Meanwhile, reports from the New York Times revealed that Khamenei had taken refuge in a bunker and cut off electronic communications with his commanders to avoid potential threats. Trump confirmed in a statement that the U.S. military had conducted precision strikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities – Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. He also hinted at knowing Khamenei’s whereabouts, emphasizing that the U.S. would not hesitate to act if provoked.
Despite efforts to initiate diplomacy, Iran’s lack of cooperation and Khamenei’s evasion have raised doubts about their sincerity. Iran expert Lisa Daftari expressed skepticism about Iran’s willingness to engage in genuine dialogue, given their history of hostile rhetoric towards America and Israel. Daftari praised Trump’s decision to resort to limited military action as a deterrent against Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
In conclusion, the failed negotiations and subsequent military strikes underscore the challenges of dealing with the Iranian regime. Trump’s strategic approach to handling the situation reflects a commitment to safeguarding American interests and promoting stability in the region. The evolving dynamics between the U.S. and Iran continue to shape the geopolitical landscape, highlighting the complexities of international relations in the Middle East.
