Secretary of State Mike Pompeo strongly hinted on Tuesday that President Trump intends to meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the United Nations General Assembly later this month.
Shortly after the announcement of national security adviser John Bolton’s departure on Tuesday, Pompeo was asked whether he could foresee a meeting between Rouhani and Trump later this month. Pompeo responded, “Sure,” clarifying that Trump has said he’s open to meeting with Rouhani without preconditions.
It is highly significant that Pompeo is the one saying this.
After all, Pompeo is opposed to Trump’s more conciliatory negotiating stance with Iran. Where Trump has articulated three conditions for the withdrawal of sanctions on Tehran, Pompeo has repeatedly articulated 12 demands. Considering widespread media speculation that Trump wants a U.N. meeting with Rouhani, Pompeo could easily have scorned or rebuked the idea of a near-term meeting. Instead, he did the exact opposite.
I would therefore suggest it is now more likely than not that Rouhani and Trump will meet in New York City later this month. While Iran has previously said it will not meet with Trump absent preceding sanctions relief, the regime will take courage from Trump’s increasingly hesitant Iran policy and Bolton’s departure.
