On Monday, May 27, in a joint press conference with Abe Shinzo, the prime minister of Japan, President Trump said that Washington is not looking for a regime change in Iran and that Iran “has a chance to be a great country with the same leadership”.

President Trump continued: “We aren't looking for regime change -- I just want to make that clear. We are looking for no nuclear weapons."

He added that he believes he will reach an agreement with Iran and that Iran and North Korea both show “tremendous” economic potential that could be realized if they give up their nuclear weapons.

Previously, President Trump had welcomed Prime Minister Abe’s offer to mediate between Iran and the United States, saying: "I know for a fact that the prime minister is very close with the leadership of Iran, and we'll see what happens."

Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in negotiating with the Islamic Republic leaders, while Iranian officials have rejected any possibility of negotiation as long as the sanctions are in place, stating that negotiation under sanctions is “admitting defeat”.

Tensions have risen between Iran and the United States in recent weeks after Iran installed short-range ballistic missiles on its boats which leading to the deployment of an aircraft career and bombers to the Persian Gulf by the United States.