Mojtaba Khamenei is alive and increasingly active in Iran, Marco Rubio says amid stalled US–Iran talks
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is alive and has been increasingly active in the country’s political affairs, even as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran remain stalled.
Speaking before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio said there were “indications” that Mojtaba Khamenei has begun taking a more direct role in governance.
Rubio: Signs of growing political engagement
“I think there are indications out there that he is increasingly engaging at some level,” Rubio told lawmakers, suggesting that the Iranian leadership structure continues to evolve despite recent turmoil.
His remarks come amid continued uncertainty over Iran’s internal power dynamics following reported injuries sustained during earlier military tensions involving the United States and Israel.
Nuclear talks remain stalled
Rubio’s comments were made against the backdrop of stalled negotiations between the US and Iran, even as a fragile ceasefire arrangement continues to face pressure.
He said there remains a possible diplomatic opening, noting that progress could happen “today, tomorrow, or next week,” depending on Iran’s actions.
US conditions for sanctions relief
The US top diplomat reiterated that any easing of sanctions would depend on Iran significantly scaling back its nuclear activities.
He said Tehran must agree to severe and long-term limits on uranium enrichment or abandon it entirely in order for sanctions relief to be considered.
Hormuz Strait and regional security concerns
Rubio also stressed the importance of reopening key shipping lanes, including the Strait of Hormuz, which has faced disruptions amid regional tensions.
He said Iran must clearly declare the waterway open to international shipping and end attacks on vessels passing through it.
Diplomatic outlook remains uncertain
While expressing cautious optimism about the possibility of a deal, Rubio maintained that US sanctions are directly tied to Iran’s nuclear programme.
He added that meaningful progress would require Tehran to abandon or strictly limit enrichment activities, calling it a core condition for any future agreement between the two countries.
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