Iran’s supreme leader appears more active as talks continue: US’s Rubio

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is showing signs of increased engagement in the country's affairs as negotiations continue, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Khamenei has not been publicly visible since his father and predecessor was killed early in the conflict.

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I think there are indications out there that he is increasingly engaging at some level, although all of his communications have been in writing and through intermediaries.

Testifying before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio indicated that Khamenei is communicating through intermediaries and in writing. These remarks come as Tehran reviews a revised US proposal aimed at ending the war, with US President Donald Trump reportedly tightening the terms.

Mehr news agency cited a source close to Iran's negotiating team stating that the country is still studying the latest proposal and has not communicated with the US recently. The source emphasized Iran's "stern" approach due to perceived US non-compliance with the ceasefire and general mistrust.

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There is the prospect before us, which could happen today, it could happen tomorrow, it could happen next week.

Trump has outlined priorities for a deal, including Iran's commitment to never develop nuclear weapons and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio cautioned that while Iran may now discuss aspects of its nuclear program previously off-limits, it does not guarantee an acceptable deal. He added that sanctions relief has not been discussed in return for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

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That’s not been discussed. That’s not been offered.