Trump reveals secret talks with ‘vicious’ Iranian regime

President says the US is in talks with Tehran but emphasizes that the regime is not yet ready to compromise.

By World Israel News Staff

The United States has opened a dialogue with Iran, President Donald Trump said overnight, even though the chances of reaching any kind of agreement in the near future are slim.

On Sunday night, Trump spoke with reporters on Air Force One regarding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.

In response to questions regarding the possibility of a negotiated end to the current conflict with the Islamic Republic, the president said that the two countries are already engaged in talks, while downplaying the significance of the discussions.

“They want to negotiate badly, as they should. We’re talking to them. But I don’t think they’re ready,” Trump said, before condemning the regime as “violent and vicious,” denouncing its leaders as “horrible people” who have “destroyed the country.”

“They shot and killed 32,000 protesters who were greatly enthusiastic and wanted to see a change,” Trump continued.

The president said that he “can fully understand” the lack of protests inside Iran during the air campaign, noting that Tehran has “put out a notice…that they are going to shoot and kill any protesters,” the president said. “The protesters have no guns.”

Trump reiterated his claim that Iran has been “essentially defeated,” estimating that if the US and Israel halted their strikes it would take Iran a decade to reconstitute its capabilities.

“I think I’d just say they’re decimated,” Trump said. “If we left right now, it would take them 10 years or more to rebuild. But I’m still not declaring it over.”

Iran’s missile and drone arsenals have been significantly reduced since the beginning of the war, Trump said, as have its manufacturing capabilities.