Listen to this articleThe U.S President Donald Trump and Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani met at G7 Summit. They suggested they would be willing to sit down to find out their country’s differences. Both leaders are expected to meet at the General Assembly session of the United Nations, scheduled next month. It could cool down fears of a broader war in the Middle East. Rouhani said during a speech broadcast on state television, he said, “I believe we need to use every possible tool to further our country’s national interests. If I am sure that attending a session or having a meeting with someone will help develop my country and resolve the people’s problems, I will not hesitate to do so”.
Trump responded to a reporter’s question, hours later, he said that he could foresee talks with Iranian officials within weeks. Rouhani said, “I don’t know the gentlemen. I tell you one thing, he’s a great negotiator. I think he’s going to want to meet. I think Iran wants to get this situation straightened out”. The supreme leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei criticized the United States who has long been skeptical of any negotiations between Tehran and Washington. He would hold the final say over whether Rouhani could meet Trump, who has repeatedly made it clear he is willing.
Rouhani has formerly refused to meet Trump’s successor, Barack Obama. But his speech marked a rare moment when he said he would be willing to meet Iran’s greatest adversary without citing preconditions. The supposed willingness to meet comes following a flurry of diplomatic activity meant to salvage the 2015 (JCPOA) Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. The JCPOA is the nuclear deal negotiated by Iran and world powers. It is noteworthy that Iran’s foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif paid a surprise visit to world leaders at the G7 summit in Biarritz at the invitation of its host, French President Emmanuel Macron. The UN’s annual General Assembly meeting will take place on 17 September and both Trump and Rouhani will be in New York.
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