Post by : Badri Ariffin

During a recent Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Mojtaba Khamenei, the Iranian Supreme Leader, is alive and appears more involved in Iran's political landscape.

Rubio noted signs indicating that Khamenei's participation in the nation’s decision-making has increased. His comments come as tensions heighten between the US and Iran, alongside stalled discussions concerning Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

“I believe there are clear signs that he is becoming more engaged,” Rubio told the committee.

Reports suggest that Mojtaba Khamenei was injured on February 28 during a US-Israel military operation targeting Iran, which reportedly also claimed the life of his father, Ali Khamenei.

Rubio conveyed optimism that a diplomatic resolution remains attainable, but emphasized the necessity for Tehran to implement significant changes in its nuclear program prior to any potential easing of sanctions.

He highlighted that Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil and gas shipments, and cease its aggression toward commercial vessels navigating the area. Rubio asserted that the US would support efforts to clear mines laid in the strait once Iran ensures safe transit.

“They need to make it unequivocally clear that the straits are accessible and will not pose a threat to ships,” Rubio stated.

Furthermore, he stressed that any future agreement would necessitate Iran accepting stringent, long-term limits on its uranium enrichment activities or completely ceasing enrichment.

Rubio reiterated that the sanctions on Iran are closely connected to its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and wider nuclear activities, positing that relief from these sanctions will be contingent upon substantive reductions in such programs.

His statements arise in the context of ongoing diplomatic stagnation between Washington and Tehran, while the ceasefire brokered by Pakistan on April 8 continues to exhibit mounting strain.

#Global News #Iran News #Global Updates #World News