Tehran/Washington: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that dialogue could resolve differences between Tehran and Washington, but emphasized that a lack of trust remains a major obstacle, citing recent US and Israeli military actions against Iran.
“I am of the belief that we could very much easily resolve our differences and conflicts with the United States through dialogue and talks,” Pezeshkian said during an interview with US conservative podcaster Tucker Carlson, recorded on Saturday and released on Monday.
The Iranian leader urged former President Donald Trump not to be swayed into military conflict by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently visiting Washington for talks.
“The United States’ president, Mr. Trump, he is capable enough to guide the region towards the peace and a brighter future and put Israel in its place. Or get into a pit, an endless pit, or a swamp,” Pezeshkian said. “So it is up to the United States president to choose which path,” he added.
Blame on Israel for Sabotaging Diplomacy
Pezeshkian accused Israel of derailing negotiations that were ongoing until Israeli strikes began on June 13, which Iran claims led to the deaths of senior military commanders and nuclear scientists.
“How are we going to trust the United States again?” he asked.
“How can we know for sure that in the middle of the talks, the Israeli regime will not be given the permission again to attack us?”
Pezeshkian also made a startling accusation that Israel had attempted to assassinate him, saying:
“They did try, yes. They acted accordingly, but they failed.”
Israel has not officially responded to the claim. However, a senior Israeli military official said last month that Israel had targeted over 30 senior security officials and 11 nuclear scientists in its campaign against Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump, White House Respond
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Donald Trump said he would discuss Iran’s nuclear programme with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and praised recent US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
He claimed the attacks had “permanently set back” Iran’s nuclear capabilities but noted that Tehran could attempt to restart the program elsewhere.
Iran has repeatedly denied that it is pursuing nuclear weapons.
Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, when asked about Pezeshkian’s comments, said she was unsure if Trump had seen them but added:
“I agree he [Trump] is the right person to guide the region towards peace.”
This comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and follows recent escalations involving Iran, Israel, and US military actions, with global attention fixed on whether diplomacy can still prevail over confrontation.