Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, appears to be increasing his involvement in running the country, but major questions remain about his health, authority and control over Tehran’s decisions.
Mohsen Rezaei, Mojtaba’s military adviser, told CNN that negotiations with the US had reached a “dead end” and called on President Donald Trump to break the stalemate. Rezaei claimed that Trump had halted the contacts and said the next move was now Washington’s responsibility.
However, Rezaei refused to answer questions about Mojtaba Khamenei’s medical condition or the extent of his participation in Iran’s decision-making process. His refusal added to speculation that the supreme leader may not exercise the same direct control once held by his father, Ali Khamenei.
Rezaei also ruled out an immediate meeting between Trump and Mojtaba, saying negotiations had not advanced far enough. Trump had earlier said he would be willing to meet Iran’s new leader if an agreement ending the war were reached.