Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that communication with Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, remains ongoing and that government officials are carefully following his directives, underscoring his continued role in guiding Tehran’s policies, including negotiations with the United States.

Araghchi’s remarks came after he confirmed that indirect talks with the United States have continued through intermediaries despite the absence of a final agreement.

He stressed that communication channels with Khamenei remain active and functioning, adding that “Khamenei’s instructions reach the government on time.” The statement appeared to push back against comments from U.S. officials who have suggested that difficulties communicating with Iran’s leadership have slowed the negotiation process and delayed responses from Tehran.

Araghchi further emphasized that Iran’s political leadership is acting in full accordance with Khamenei’s directives. His comments indicate that the decision to continue negotiations with Washington has been made with Khamenei’s approval, despite the Iranian leader’s criticism of the United States and Israel.

Just one day earlier, Khamenei accused the two countries of attempting to divide the Iranian people, saying that “the United States and Israel are trying to sow division among Iranians.”

Addressing maritime security, Araghchi also stated that Iran and the Sultanate of Oman would coordinate the management of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law.

Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly since being selected in March to succeed his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the first day of the war with Iran on February 28. His health and status have remained the subject of speculation, raising questions about the extent of his control over the country. Nevertheless, reports continue to point to his growing involvement in government affairs and major policy decisions.

President Donald Trump said last Wednesday that Khamenei’s son is “definitely involved” in the ongoing negotiations.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed that assessment earlier in the week, saying Tuesday that “there are signs that he is becoming increasingly involved at some level.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Ali Abdollahi, commander of Khatam al-Anbiya, the central operational headquarters of Iran’s armed forces, have both previously confirmed meeting with Mojtaba Khamenei. However, no photographs from those meetings have been released publicly.

To date, Khamenei’s public communications have been limited to written statements. His latest message was issued Thursday and read during a ceremony marking the 37th anniversary of Ayatollah Khomeini’s death. In the statement, he called on Iranians “to confront the malicious intentions of the enemies,” a reference to the United States and Israel.

{Matzav.com}