Post by : Bianca
Haleem
During a session with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted that Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, is alive and seems to be taking a more proactive role in the nation’s affairs.
Rubio indicated that Khamenei's engagement in Iran's decision-making is becoming more pronounced, especially amidst ongoing tensions with the United States and stalled nuclear negotiations.
"I believe there are signs that he is engaging more actively than before," Rubio stated during the committee meeting.
Reports indicate that Mojtaba Khamenei sustained injuries during a joint US-Israel operation on February 28, which also claimed the life of his father, Ali Khamenei.
Rubio expressed optimism about the possibility of reaching a diplomatic agreement with Iran but emphasized that the country must undertake crucial steps concerning its nuclear program before any sanctions relief can be considered.
He mentioned that Iran should reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key international shipping lane for oil and gas, and cease hostilities towards commercial vessels traversing the area. Once safety can be ensured, Rubio noted that the US would help eliminate any mines reportedly placed in the strait.
"They need to unequivocally declare the strait is open and ensure ships are not targeted," Rubio remarked.
Furthermore, Rubio stated that Iran must agree to stringent, long-term limitations on its uranium enrichment or halt enrichment entirely as part of any forthcoming agreement.
He clarified that sanctions imposed on Iran are directly tied to its enriched uranium reserves and overall nuclear ambitions, indicating that only a substantial reduction in these areas would allow for sanctions relief.
These comments arise as diplomatic discussions between Washington and Tehran remain stalled, with additional pressures mounting on the ceasefire negotiated by Pakistan on April 8.
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