Just before President Donald Trump expressed his willingness Monday to meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani under “no preconditions,” Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson made it clear that such talks are not on the table, according to a New York Times report.
Calling the United States “totally unreliable,” spokesman Bahram Qassemi spoke with the anger many of his countrymen feel after Trump’s sudden exit from the nuclear deal and restoration of sanctions on Iran in May. “With current America and these policies, there will definitely not be the possibility of dialogue and engagement,” he said at a press conference on Monday.
Per the New York Times, since Trump’s departure from the pact, Iran’s economy has taken a devastating hit, with its currency losing half its value.
During a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, Trump struck a very different chord from the Iranians, saying “I’ll meet with anybody. If they want to meet, I’ll meet—anytime they want.”
But Trump seems to be the only one in favor of a meeting. His own national security team reportedly thinks a possible summit would be a bad idea, given Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s blistering attack last week of the Iran’s leaders as “hypocritical holy men.”
Per the Times, Pompeo even split from his boss on the prerequisites necessary for the hypothetical meeting. He told the Times that Iranian leaders would have to “demonstrate a commitment to make fundamental changes in how they treat their own people, reduce their malign behavior, can agree that it’s worthwhile to enter into a nuclear agreement that actually prevents proliferation.”
As Iran remains in the nuclear deal with other world powers—including Britain, Russia and China—that don’t send it threatening tweets, there seems to be little incentive for the country’s leaders to humor Trump.
No slice of the action for Donnie, as plans for the Trump Tehran location remain on hold. Furthermore, the paper tiger backdrop the WH trots out for fake summits will have to remain in storage too. Sad!
You know, calling the US ‘totally unreliable’ because of Trump’s exit from the nuclear deal, and exit from the Paris Agreement, and NATO attacks, and more - there really is no good reason to meet with him. He has no new ideas. He only destroys existing things.
But, Trump will talk to anyone… if he gets his feet out of his mouth
You can kiss it goodbye America. Pompeo’s remarks about religious leaders and Trump’s inane reneging on the nuke deal are mile wide red lines crossed. It’s too bad. Americans are not hated by the Iranian people. I’ve never felt that there. Trump will end that. America will lose its persuasive power in that part of the world which will suit those in Iran with malignant intent. It’s hard to put into words how stupid and reckless running a thrill up the leg of Americas “Jewish Lobby” and Evangelicals is for the rest of the 320 million of us.
Iran, talk to Trump.
Then you can do anything you like.
Ask N Korea or Pootie.
Oh, shucks. The iranians just need to understand how the game is played. All they have to do is meet 1:1 with the Dotard, no one else allowed in the room, and sit back and wait for the announcement that the nuclear threat has been removed. Somebody clue them in, please!
I hear the Seychelles is a lovely place for a meeting