WASHINGTON — Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei is playing an important role in setting war strategy, working with the country’s senior officials, according to a U.S. intelligence review, CNN reported, citing multiple sources.
The report said that while it remains unclear how much power lies with whom in Iran’s divided administration, multiple intelligence sources said Khamenei may be deciding from behind the scenes how negotiations with the United States to end the war will be conducted.
Khamenei’s father and several of the country’s top military leaders were killed in a strike at the start of the war. Mojtaba Khamenei was also seriously injured, raising speculation about his recovery and his role in the Iranian leadership structure.
Sources said the Trump administration is trying to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict. According to U.S. intelligence agencies, Iran is trying to recover from the damage of U.S. bombing. However, Iran’s significant military capabilities remain intact and they have the ability to withstand U.S. sanctions for several more months.
A few days after he was injured in the attack, Khamenei was named Iran’s new supreme leader, succeeding his father. But U.S. intelligence agencies have not yet been able to confirm his location, the sources said.
The report also said one reason for the uncertainty is that Khamenei does not use any electronic devices for communication. Instead, he only communicates with people who can meet him in person or sends messages through couriers.
Mazaher Hosseini, head of the protocol office of Iran’s supreme leader, said Friday that Khamenei had recovered from his injuries and is completely healthy.
Speaking at a public gathering in Iran, Hosseini said: “Enemies are spreading various rumors and false claims. They want to see him and find him, but the people must be patient and should not rush. He will speak to you at the right time.”
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report