Trending 
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has dismissed suggestions that Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, could meet with United States President Donald Trump, describing the idea as unrealistic.
Araghchi’s remarks came after Trump told the New York Post on Wednesday that he would be open to meeting Iran’s supreme leader and suggested such an encounter could take place in the future depending on developments.
Speaking in an interview with Lebanese Television Channel Al Mayadeen, Araghchi said reports of a possible meeting should be viewed realistically, indicating that such a scenario was not currently feasible.
“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.
“I think we should be realistic and think and live in the real world,” Araghchi said.
Iran’s current supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, assumed the position in March following the death of his father, former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, during US-Israeli strikes on February 28.
Araghchi disclosed that he had been inside the supreme leader’s office complex at the time of the attack that killed Ali Khamenei but was in a different section of the building and escaped unharmed.
The strikes triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran against Israel and US allies in the Gulf region.
The foreign minister also said Mojtaba Khamenei remains actively involved in state affairs and maintains full oversight of the country’s governance.
According to Araghchi, the supreme leader’s limited public appearances since assuming office are largely due to security concerns linked to the conflict, which has been under a fragile ceasefire since April 8.
Efforts to secure a permanent end to hostilities through direct and mediated negotiations between Iran and the United States have yet to produce a breakthrough.
