During a session of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that Mojtaba Khamenei, the Iranian Supreme Leader, is alive and appears to be assuming a more active role in the political landscape of Iran.
Rubio indicated that there are significant signs of Khamenei's involvement in crucial decision-making processes, particularly as tensions rise between the US and Iran amid stagnant discussions on Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
"It's clear that there are indicators he is engaging more frequently," Rubio remarked to the committee members.
Reports have suggested that Mojtaba Khamenei sustained injuries on February 28 during a joint military operation involving the US and Israel, an event linked to the death of his father, Ali Khamenei.
Rubio expressed optimism that a diplomatic resolution with Iran could still be achieved, though he emphasized that Iran needs to make substantial progress concerning its nuclear program before any possibility of sanctions relief.
He insisted that Iran must reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz, essential for global oil and gas shipping, and halt its operations targeting commercial vessels in the area. Rubio also noted that the US is prepared to assist in the removal of mines alleged to be placed by Iran, contingent on Tehran guaranteeing safe navigation.
"They need to make a clear announcement that the straits will be open and vessels will not be fired upon," Rubio stated.
Furthermore, Rubio remarked that Iran must accept severe and extended limits on its uranium enrichment activities or cease such activities entirely as part of any forthcoming agreement.
He highlighted that sanctions imposed on Iran are intricately connected to its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and nuclear initiatives, reiterating that relief from these sanctions will only be considered if Iran significantly reduces its nuclear operations.
These remarks arrive amid a deadlock in diplomatic interactions between Washington and Tehran, as the ceasefire facilitated by Pakistan on April 8 faces mounting challenges.
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