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Mojtaba Khamenei playing critical role in Iran's war strategy, US intelligence assesses - report

From Jerusalem Post · (3h ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • US intelligence assessments suggest Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, plays a critical role in the country's war strategy despite remaining in hiding.
  • Khamenei is reportedly involved in directing US-Iran negotiations and working with other senior Iranian officials, though his precise authority remains unclear.
  • Some sources indicate Khamenei plays a smaller role, with senior IRGC officials and the Parliament Speaker effectively running the regime due to his alleged inaccessibility.

US intelligence assessments, as reported by CNN, indicate that Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, is actively involved in directing the nation's war strategy, even while remaining out of public view. This suggests a significant level of influence wielded by Khamenei, who is reportedly guiding ongoing negotiations with the United States and collaborating with other high-ranking Iranian officials. The assessments highlight the complex power dynamics within the Iranian regime, where clarity on ultimate decision-making authority remains elusive.

US intelligence assessments indicate that Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is playing a critical role in Iran's war strategy despite remaining in hiding, according to a CNN report on Saturday.

— Jerusalem PostUS intelligence assessments indicate that Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is playing a critical role in Iran's war strategy despite remaining in hiding, according to a CNN report on Saturday.

However, the picture is not entirely uniform. While US intelligence points to Khamenei's strategic involvement, other sources familiar with the situation suggest a more limited role for the Supreme Leader. These perspectives posit that Khamenei may be less directly involved in crucial decision-making processes and has sporadic communication access. This ambiguity surrounding his condition and whereabouts, possibly stemming from a reluctance to use electronic communication, adds another layer to the intricate political landscape.

While US intelligence indicates that Khamenei is actively involved in diplomatic strategy, a separate source familiar with the situation told CNN that there is evidence suggesting that Khamenei is actually playing a smaller role.

— Jerusalem PostOther sources suggest Khamenei playing minimal role While US intelligence indicates that Khamenei is actively involved in diplomatic strategy, a separate source familiar with the situation told CNN that there is evidence suggesting that Khamenei is actually playing a smaller role.

In light of Khamenei's alleged inaccessibility, senior officials within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, are reportedly shouldering significant responsibilities in governing the country. This dynamic suggests a diffusion of power, where key figures are stepping up to manage the regime's affairs. The Jerusalem Post notes that while US intelligence continues to assess Khamenei's influence, the operational control appears to rest with these prominent individuals.

Due to Khamenei's alleged inaccessibility, senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officials and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are essentially running the regime, the source stated.

— Jerusalem PostDue to Khamenei's alleged inaccessibility, senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officials and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are essentially running the regime, the source stated.

Adding to the complexity, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently claimed to have met with Khamenei, describing him as having a "vision and the humble and sincere approach." This statement, broadcast by Iranian state media, contrasts with some intelligence reports suggesting limited accessibility. Two sources also told Reuters that Khamenei remains mentally sharp during his recovery. The differing accounts underscore the challenges in obtaining definitive information about Khamenei's status and his precise role in Iran's strategic direction, a situation of particular interest to regional and international observers.

there is no indication he is actually giving orders on any ongoing basis, but nothing proving he is not.

— Jerusalem PostAn additional source familiar with the US intelligence assessments told CNN that, regarding Khamenei, “there is no indication he is actually giving orders on any ongoing basis, but nothing proving he is not.”
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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