Trump has repeatedly signaled openness to direct contact with Mojtaba Khamenei, stating in June 2026 interviews that he would like to meet the Iranian supreme leader and that the two sides were “getting along quite well” amid ceasefire talks following the February 2026 U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed Ali Khamenei. A June memorandum of understanding extended the ceasefire and opened further negotiations on nuclear issues and sanctions, with Khamenei later confirming he authorized the framework despite reservations. Iranian officials, including senior advisers, have consistently rejected the prospect of a meeting, citing insufficient trust and demanding steps such as asset releases before any high-level engagement. U.S. intelligence assessments shared with Trump have highlighted questions about Mojtaba’s leadership capacity and visibility, while the fragile post-war diplomatic track remains the primary channel for any potential direct communication.