U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio tells U.S. lawmakers that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive and is increasingly engaging in negotiations involving the United States, despite not appearing publicly since taking office. Speaking during testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio says he has indications that Khamenei is involved “at some level,” including through the use of intermediaries and communications that do not require public visibility.
Rubio’s remarks come as ongoing efforts to end the war involving Iran and related parties face delays. He also underscores that any potential agreement would require Iran to take major steps regarding its nuclear program. Rubio characterizes Iran’s uranium stockpile and enrichment levels as highly technical issues that could take months to resolve. He adds that sanctions relief is tied to Iran severely limiting its nuclear activities.
Several reports also cite Rubio’s view that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is part of the conditions for a broader settlement. Overall, the sources converge on Rubio’s central claims: Khamenei is alive, is increasingly active in decision-making or talks, and nuclear limitations are required to move toward sanctions relief.
