US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Tuesday that he believes Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei is alive and becoming more involved in leadership matters as both sides negotiate a comprehensive resolution to the West Asia conflict.
Rubio made these remarks during his address to the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, citing indications of continued engagement from the Iranian leadership amid ongoing regional tensions.
"I think there are indications out there that he is increasingly engaging at some level," Rubio told lawmakers.
These comments come amid speculation about Khamenei's status, as he has not been seen in public since sustaining serious injuries on February 28 during an attack at the start of the war that killed his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and several senior military leaders. This has raised questions about his health and role within Iran's leadership structure.
According to CNN, citing US intelligence, Khamenei continues to play a key role in shaping war strategy alongside senior officials.
Last month, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that no decision in the Islamic Republic of Iran is made without the permission of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, emphasizing that all key positions must align with the country's highest authority and coordinated institutions amid diplomatic engagements with Washington.
During his visit to the Iranian Broadcasting Corporation, Pezeshkian underlined that he has consistently ensured that no statement or policy contradicts the views of the Supreme Leader or creates internal discord that could be exploited by adversaries.
"I have always tried to ensure that no statement is made that contradicts the opinion of the Supreme Leader or that no position is taken that would fuel disagreements between the pillars of governance and allow the enemy to exploit it," he said, as quoted in a statement issued by his office.
Meanwhile, Rubio also stated that negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme, as part of the overall peace talks, would be "highly technical" in nature and could take several months to conclude. He indicated that the next phase of discussions would depend on Iran taking specific steps, including reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz under agreed conditions and addressing the disposition of highly enriched uranium.
"Phase 2 is they have to commit to very specific negotiations. On the disposition of the highly enriched uranium that still is buried deep in a mountain somewhere... They have to agree on negotiating severe and long-term limitations and/or cancellation of enrichment activity in their country," Rubio told lawmakers.
Rubio stressed that the complexity of the issues would require sustained technical engagement over an extended period.
"Obviously, these are highly technical matters, so I don't think you could work those out in five days. That would require a team of experts to meet over a 30-, 60-, 90-day period and work out the details, but they have to commit to their willingness to do that," Rubio said.
