In a recent discussion on Al Jazeera's program 'Behind the News,' analysts expressed skepticism over the possibility of a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. They pointed out significant barriers owing to the traditionally adversarial relationship between the two nations. Despite Trump's Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggesting that Trump is open to such a meeting, the consensus among experts is that the distinct unwillingness of both leaders to travel to each other's countries makes this unlikely.

Rubio expressed confidence that if Khamenei were to indicate a desire for a meeting, Trump would accommodate it, framing it as a potential avenue to resolve bilateral issues. Nevertheless, Kenneth Katzman, a researcher in strategic and international security studies, highlighted the improbability of the meeting occurring, given the practical limitations and Khamenei's clear stance against receiving American leaders. Rubio's comments were interpreted as revealing Trump's underlying desire to negotiate with Iran, despite the lack of feasible methods to facilitate such discussions.

Meanwhile, Hassan Ahmadian, a professor of Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Tehran, criticized Rubio's remarks as disconnected from reality and lacking serious consideration of the dynamics at play. He reinforced the notion that Khamenei has no intention of engaging in dialogue with Trump, underscoring the complexities surrounding U.S.-Iran relations and the challenges faced in pursuing any potential diplomatic avenues.