US President Donald Trump said in an interview with NBC News that he considers Iran’s new leadership to be “more rational” and “very smart” amid the recent conflict with Israel and the United States.

According to him, changes have taken place in Iran’s political leadership following the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and a number of his associates during the strikes.

Trump also noted that Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is allegedly involved in the process of coordinating a possible agreement and may play a role in the new decision-making system. He added that he is open to direct talks with Iran’s new leadership if the Iranian side is also willing, although he has not yet spoken with him personally. Assessing Mojtaba Khamenei, Trump said: “Younger. I think more rational. Wounded. He is quite seriously wounded. There is a certain bravery in that.

Many people, if they were so badly wounded, would not be thinking about how things are going with the United States. They would have other thoughts. But he is very seriously wounded.” Commenting on the possible whereabouts of Iran’s leadership, Trump declined to reveal details, saying only that there is a “good chance” that he has such information, but does not consider it necessary to confirm it.