Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei shaping war strategy amid health questions

Irans new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is playing a central role in shaping Tehrans war and negotiation strategy alongside senior Iranian officials even as uncertainity persists over his health and exact level of authority according to a CNN report citing US intelligence assessmentsThe news report said US intelligence believes Khamenei has become a key figure directing Irans approach to negotiations with the United States aimed at ending the conflict that followed recent US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets However officials reportedly acknowledge that authority inside Irans leadership remains fragmented after the war and the deaths of several senior military commandersKhamenei has not appeared publicly since he was reportedly injured during the attack that killed his father former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with top Iranian military leaders at the start of the conflict His absence has fuelled speculation about his health and his ability to fully control the governmentAccording to CNN US intelligence agencies have been unable to visually confirm Mojtaba Khameneis whereabouts since he assumed leadership days after the strike One source told the network that the secrecy surrounding his condition and communications has created an atmosphere resembling Wizard of Oz meets Weekend at BerniesThe news report said Khamenei is avoiding electronic communications entirely and is instead relying on trusted couriers and facetoface meetings to relay instructions Sources familiar with the intelligence assessment told CNN that he remains isolated while receiving medical treatment for serious injuries including burns affecting one side of his body including parts of his face arm torso and legDespite those reports Iranian officials have publicly downplayed concerns over his condition Mazaher Hosseini head of protocol in the office of Irans supreme leader on Friday local time said that Khamenei is recovering well and is in complete healthSpeaking to supporters in Iran Hosseini acknowledged that Khamenei suffered injuries to his foot and lower back and said a small piece of shrapnel had hit him behind the ear but insisted the wounds were healingThank God he is in good health Hosseini said according to the report The enemy is spreading all kinds of rumours and false claims They want to see him and find him but people should be patient and not rush He will speak to you when the time is rightCNN reported that the United States Intelligence Community assesses Iran is still recovering from the US bombing campaign but retains significant military capability and could withstand months of blockade pressure if necessaryMeanwhile US President Donald Trump on Friday local time said that his administration is expecting a response from Iran later in the day regarding Washingtons proposal aimed at ending the ongoing West Asia conflictSpeaking to reporters before travelling to a dinner at his golf course in Sterling Virginia Trump said Well hear from them supposedly tonight when asked whether Washington had received any response from TehranWhen pressed on whether he believed Iran was intentionally delaying the process Trump said he was uncertain adding Well find out soon enoughHis remarks came after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was anticipating an Iranian response on Friday to the proposal aimed at ending the conflict while expressing hope that it would be a serious offerWe should know something today Rubio told reporters during a gaggle in RomeRubio is currently on a diplomatic tour to Italy and the Vatican amid tension in the transatlantic relations between the US and EuropeWe have not received that yet as of the last hour Rubio said adding that Irans internal situation could be affecting the timelineTheir system is still highly fractured and its dysfunctional as well so that may be serving as an impediment he addedRubio said Washington hoped the Iranian response would lead to a serious process of negotiationResponding to enquiries regarding whether Iran had engaged with what some had termed a onepage proposal Trump challenged that description of the documentWell its more than a onepage offer Its an offer that basically said they will not have nuclear weapons they are going to hand us the nuclear dust and many other things that we want Trump saidWhen questioned on whether the Iranian leadership had consented to these terms Trump indicated that a verbal agreement does not necessarily signal a definitive resolutionThey have agreed When they agree it doesnt mean much because the next day they forget they agreed he said further noting And you know were dealing with different sets of leaders