U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Iranian leaders informally offered him the position of Iran’s next Supreme Leader. He made the statement on Wednesday at a Republican Congressional Committee fundraising event in Washington, asserting that Iran is desperate to reach a deal but afraid to admit it publicly.

According to Trump, Iranian officials expressed strong interest in negotiating with the United States but feared backlash from their own citizens and possible consequences from the U.S. itself. He said he declined the alleged offer, telling them he was not interested in the role.

The remarks come amid broader tensions involving Iran, including reports of intelligence sharing with Russia and regional warnings from the Gulf Cooperation Council about Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz.