U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran’s newly appointed president has called for a ceasefire. Trump made this assertion on the social media platform Truth Social, stating, “Iran’s new president is less hardline and more reasonable than the previous administration. They have just called on America to end the war.”
However, Iran has consistently denied Trump’s claim that it is engaged in negotiations to end the conflict. Trump further stated, “We will only consider this when the Strait of Hormuz is reopened and becomes fully free and secure. Until then, we will totally destroy Iran or send them back to the ‘Stone Age.’” Although Trump mentioned that Iran’s new president requested a ceasefire, it remains unclear which individual he was referring to.
Following airstrikes in Iran initiated by the United States and Israel on February 28, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior Iranian leaders were reportedly killed. On March 8, Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was announced as his successor. Mojtaba Khamenei has issued many written statements but has appeared publicly infrequently. Trump has said he is uncertain whether Mojtaba Khamenei is alive.
Masoud Pezeshkian, elected president of Iran in 2024, is currently serving as president. According to Trump’s claim, there is no new president beyond Pezeshkian. Iranian media report that Pezeshkian made a public appearance just this Tuesday, where he emphasized Iran’s “necessary will” to end the war. Nevertheless, Iran continues to reject Trump’s allegations about engaging in ceasefire talks.
