WSJ: Iran’s supreme leader goes silent at most crucial point of negotiations

The absence of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, from public view has created tension in ongoing negotiations with the United States, while his silence is fueling divisions within Tehran, according to diplomatic sources cited by The Wall Street Journal.

Khamenei has not appeared publicly since late February, following a reported US-Israeli strike in which he is believed to have been seriously injured. His absence has left Iranian political elites unable to agree on what concessions, if any, could be made in talks with Washington.

Hardline supporters have called on Khamenei via social media to issue at least an audio message addressing the negotiations, while criticising Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and other figures seen as more moderate.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said he met Khamenei on May 7, though no independent confirmation of the meeting or its location has been provided.

CNN, however, reports that Khamenei continues to shape Iran’s military strategy and advises negotiators in a limited capacity, avoiding electronic communications and instead relying on in-person meetings or couriers.

By Jeyhun Aghazada