Trump Advocates Unprecedented ‘Joint Leadership’ with Iran’s Ayatollah

Former US president Donald Trump said recent discussions with Tehran opened the door to an unprecedented form of governance. He floated the idea of a joint leadership arrangement between the United States and an Iranian figure.

Trump’s proposal and timeline

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump described talks with Iranian contacts as constructive. He proposed the US might share control with an unnamed Iranian leader, even suggesting the Strait of Hormuz could be jointly managed.

He also announced a temporary hold on planned strikes. A previously issued 48-hour ultimatum on the strait was extended when he paused attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure for five days.

References to other countries

Trump compared the potential outcome to recent events in Venezuela. He suggested a vice-presidential succession, citing Delcy Rodríguez taking power after Nicolás Maduro’s removal in a US special forces operation in January.

Responses from Tehran

Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf rejected any talks. He accused the United States of spreading false reports and of manipulating oil and financial markets.

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran had received messages from third countries. Those messages indicated Washington might be seeking discussions to end the conflict.

Market reaction

Oil markets reacted to the shifting rhetoric. Brent crude fell below $100 per barrel on Monday, a drop not seen since the prior Wednesday.

Prices began to recover after Iran’s denials of negotiations. The fall and rebound reflected market sensitivity to reports of de-escalation.

Next steps and implications

Trump framed his plan as pragmatic and bold. His comments suggested an openness to unusual arrangements with Iran and its ayatollahs.

Tehran has publicly dismissed the negotiation claims for now. The coming days will show whether talks continue and whether the pause on strikes holds.