US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Tuesday that he believes Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei is alive and is becoming "increasingly engaging" in leadership matters. Addressing the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio noted that Khamenei has not been seen or heard directly, suggesting that concerns over the safety of senior Iranian figures may be influencing that decision.
Rubio's Remarks on Khamenei's Status
"I think there are indications, we have not heard from him publicly. We have not seen him publicly. And I would imagine that what's happened to multiple leaders in that system, being very public, is probably not something that's recommended for them internally," Rubio said. He added that available indications suggest Khamenei is engaging in some capacity. "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..."
Background of the Crisis
These remarks come amid growing international scrutiny over Mojtaba Khamenei's condition following his disappearance from public view after reportedly being seriously injured on 28 February. His prolonged absence has fueled widespread speculation and raised questions about the stability and continuity of Iran's leadership structure.
The February 28 Attack
A US-led strike attacked a sprawling presidential complex in the heart of Tehran on February 28, 2026. According to reports, Mojtaba's father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was at his residence with several family members, including Mojtaba's wife, Zahra, and his teenage son, Mohammad Bagher, who were also killed in the attack. After the death of Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba was elected as the Supreme Leader of Iran.
Iran Agrees to Nuclear Negotiations
While speaking at the same event, Rubio also noted that Iran has agreed to negotiate aspects of their nuclear program. "They have agreed to negotiate aspects of their nuclear program that just a month ago or just a year ago, they were refusing to even mention, much less enter into discussions about..."
US Role in Ending India-Pakistan Conflict
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also asserted that Washington played a role in helping end the recent India-Pakistan conflict. "We did a peace deal with Azerbaijan and Armenia... The second is India-Pakistan. We ended that war. We were involved in helping broker that... We are carrying out diplomacy all over the world constantly and very successfully in many cases..."
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