ALBAWABA - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is in “continuous contact” with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and government officials are “closely following” his orders as talks with the United States continue.
In comments amid ongoing diplomacy, Araghchi stated that the lines of communication between Iran’s leadership and negotiators are still open and are working well, denying speculations that delays in discussions are related to problems in contacting the Supreme Leader or in getting his consent.
His comments indicate that Khamenei is entirely supportive of Iran’s choice to pursue indirect negotiations with Washington, even as the Supreme Leader has recently leveled charges that the U.S. and Israel are aiming to fracture Iranian society.
Araghchi also touched upon the future of the Strait of Hormuz, saying that Iran and Oman want to coordinate control of the important waterway in line with international law and continue negotiations with neighboring states on regional marine concerns.
Growing Questions about Khamenei’s Authority
Since taking over the top political position in Iran in March following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, amid the early stages of the U.S.-Israeli crisis with Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei has kept out of the public eye.
His withdrawal from public life has prompted suspicion about his health and the degree of his role in state affairs. But Iranian authorities have increasingly pointed to his involvement in critical policy decisions, especially those involving negotiations with Washington.
Analysts say Khamenei appears to be steering the general direction of Iranian policy, while depending on senior political and security officials to make the day-to-day decisions.
Power Structure Still Not Clear
Analysts say Mojtaba Khamenei is thought to have a say in strategic choices, although it is unclear whether he wields the same authority as his father.
Power is now concentrated in a narrow circle of powerful characters, including top members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and major political officials with a hand in national security and diplomatic matters, some analysts say.
The issue has also drawn Washington’s notice. U.S. President Donald Trump recently said Mojtaba Khamenei is “very much involved” in the negotiations, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Supreme Leader’s involvement appears to be increasing.
As talks continue without a definitive breakthrough, Araghchi’s words are likely to bolster the impression that Iran’s leadership is still united behind the diplomatic process, even as fundamental disagreements with the United States remain unsolved.
