President Donald Trump (R-FL) said on May 6 that it is too soon to begin face-to-face peace talks with Iranian leadership [1].

The statement comes as the U.S. and Israel seek a diplomatic exit from a regional conflict that has persisted for 70 days [2]. The tension remains high following military strikes, leaving the administration to balance immediate ceasefire efforts with long-term strategic goals.

"It's too soon to start thinking about face-to-face peace talks between the U.S. and Iran," Trump said [1]. Despite reports suggesting a deal may be near, no physical meeting between Trump and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has occurred.

While direct negotiations remain stalled, reports indicate that the U.S. and Israel have discussed the possibility of backing former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as a leader to replace Khamenei [3]. This potential regime-change plan suggests a strategy of installing a different political face in Tehran to facilitate a transition in power.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed cautious optimism regarding diplomatic overtures on May 8. "I hope it's a serious offer," Rubio said [2].

Internal deliberations at the White House continue as the administration assesses the stability of the Iranian government. On May 29, Trump met with aides for two hours at the White House to discuss the ongoing war and potential deals [4]. These meetings follow a period of intense military activity and fluctuating diplomatic signals from both Tehran and Washington.

Though some reports have suggested meetings with Mojtaba Khamenei or damage to U.S. bases by Hezbollah, these claims have not been verified by primary news outlets [1, 2, 4]. The administration continues to prioritize the establishment of a viable diplomatic pathway that ensures regional security without premature concessions.

“"It's too soon to start thinking about face-to-face peace talks between the U.S. and Iran."”

The U.S. approach to Iran is currently bifurcated, maintaining a public stance of diplomatic caution while privately exploring regime-change scenarios. By considering a figure like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as a successor to Khamenei, the U.S. and Israel are signaling that a lasting peace may require a fundamental shift in Iran's internal leadership rather than a simple agreement with the current clerical establishment.