In a “Meet the Press” interview recorded on Friday and aired Sunday, Donald Trump asserted that Iran’s new leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is severely injured while dismissing the validity of California’s election results.
Nuclear Deal Negotiations and Military Oversight
Trump stated that the United States would cooperate with Iran to recover and destroy highly enriched uranium, provided a comprehensive agreement is reached. He warned that if no deal is secured, the U.S. would weaken Iran’s military and seize its assets.
The president claimed the U.S. can monitor the situation using space-based cameras, boasting of technology capable of reading an individual’s identification badge from orbit. He maintains that while both sides are close to a deal, he insists on stricter clauses to prevent Iran from acquiring or developing nuclear weapons.
Relations with New Iranian Leadership
Following the deaths of Ali Khamenei and his associates, his son Mojtaba has assumed power. Trump expressed a willingness to engage in direct talks with the new leader, describing the current Iranian administration as more rational and intelligent.
Regarding Mojtaba Khamenei’s condition, Trump stated, “He is seriously wounded. There is a certain courage in that.” Trump declined to confirm the leader’s exact location, though he suggested he likely knows where he is. Meanwhile, Iranian advisor Mohsen Rezaei has rejected the possibility of direct talks between Trump and Mojtaba Khamenei.
Confrontation with the Media
The interview turned hostile when the topic shifted to California’s primary elections. Trump alleged the results were rigged but failed to provide evidence when pressed by journalist Kristen Welker.
Citing his own observations and hearsay as proof, Trump insulted the reporter and the program, calling them corrupt and dishonest. He abruptly ended the interview, stating he had had enough and dismissing the reporter before walking away.