Trump Touts Talks with Iran's Hardline Leader, But Warns 'We Know Where He Lives'

President claims 'complete regime change' in Iran, says new leaders are 'more moderate' and 'reasonable'

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:47am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping, fragmented shapes and lines in shades of red, orange, and gold, conceptually representing the political turmoil and shifting power dynamics between the U.S. and Iran.As tensions escalate between the U.S. and Iran, the Trump administration's negotiations with Tehran's new leadership raise questions about the true nature of the talks and the president's underlying motivations.Washington Today

In a wide-ranging interview, President Donald Trump claimed his administration is now negotiating with a 'different group of people' in Iran's leadership who are 'much more moderate and, I think, much more reasonable.' However, Trump also appeared to threaten Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, saying 'we know where he lives.' Trump suggested the talks are part of a broader strategy to boost the U.S. economy through lower oil prices and a rising stock market.

Why it matters

The Trump administration's negotiations with Iran's new leadership represent a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, as the president claims 'complete regime change' has occurred. However, Ghalibaf is known as a hardliner with close ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, raising questions about the true nature of the talks and Trump's motivations.

The details

Trump said his administration is now speaking with Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who has been taunting the president on social media. While Ghalibaf is considered a hardliner, Trump claimed the new Iranian leadership is 'much more moderate and, I think, much more reasonable.' The president also suggested he is negotiating to seize Iran's oil, though he did not provide further details. Trump also hinted at potential military action against Cuba, saying 'you've got to kind of finish up whatever you do in Iran first.'

  • Trump's interview with ABC News took place on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who is claiming his administration is negotiating with a 'different group of people' in Iran's leadership.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf

The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, who is known as a hardliner with close ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

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What they’re saying

“Now we have a different group of people, and they are in control, but they're much more moderate and, I think, much more reasonable.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“Heads-up: Pre-market so-called 'news' or 'Truth' is often just a setup for profit-taking. Basically, it's a reverse indicator. Do the opposite: If they pump it, short it. If they dump it, go long. See something tomorrow? You know the drill.”

— Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament

“We know where he lives. Let's put it that way.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.