President Donald Trump said talks with Iran are rapidly evolving and suggested he might meet with Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei if negotiations continue to progress.
Trump said Khamenei is “absolutely” involved in talks with the United States on ending hostilities, adding he heard Iran's leader was not doing too well but was giving his approval during the negotiations.
The president said that he had not had "the privilege of meeting" him yet.
"I'd like to meet him," Trump told journalist Miranda Devine. "We probably will meet at some point, depending on how it all works out."
Trump added he expects the war to "resolve itself quickly" and described the ongoing U.S.-Iran diplomacy as moving in a positive direction. According to Trump, Iran had agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons.
But he also maintained that U.S. military options remain on the table if talks fail.
Trump said he has to make a determination whether to sign a deal or “do it other way.” Devine pressed Trump on what that “other way” would achieve.
The war erupted Feb. 28 after a major escalation between Iran and Israel, with both sides exchanging missile and drone attacks and ultimately disrupting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and drawing in U.S. military involvement.
Peace talks have been led by Pakistan, but Trump reiterated that any agreement must be a “great deal,” and if not, the United States will not sign it.
Trump said during the interview that he sees the war as a "success" because Iran's military has been defeated.