U.S. intelligence cited in a CBS News exclusive revealed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is operating from a concealed location with a restricted access to the outside world, according to Arab News.
Secret Location
Khamenei is believed to be relying on a network of couriers to pass on messages amid mounting fears of targeted strikes after being already injured in a previous strike.
The Sunday report said that internal communication breakdowns within Iran’s leadership had been a remarkable obstacle to negotiations with the Donald Trump administration.
This has been an obstacle for those officials authorized to engage with Washington, as they are reportedly struggling to coordinate even within their own institutional structure.
That is why responses were often delayed when proposals were sent to Tehran.
US officials told CBS that messages first had to pass through layers of intermediaries before reaching the supreme leader.
Therefore, messages are delivered through a trusted network of couriers designed to conceal his location, with the supreme leader reportedly offering only general directives on issues open to negotiation and those which are non-negotiable.
War in Iran
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, targeting its leadership and triggering a new conflict in the Middle East.
Iran has been responding with a retaliatory counterattack in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi as a retaliatory move, while launching barrages of missiles and drones toward Israel.
The conflict has spread across the Middle East, leaving thousands dead, triggering unprecedented disruptions to energy supplies especially after the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Khamenei was wounded in the opening-day strikes of the Middle East war that killed his father and predecessor Ali Khamenei.
Since his appointment, the new Supreme Leader has been seen only issuing written statements, with no public appearances.
Heightened Security Measures
Iranian authorities have adopted heightened security protocols following U.S. and Israeli strikes under Operation Epic Fury, which intelligence officials say involved coordinated targeting that killed several senior Iranian figures.
Currently, most senior officials are spending weeks in heavily fortified bunkers, with no direct contact and restricted communications unless necessary, according to CBS.
The report further noted that even senior Iranian officials are unaware of the supreme leader’s exact location and lack any direct means of communication with him.
Related Topics:
Mojtaba Khamenei Named Iran’s New Supreme Leader
Iran Deal: Trump Faces Backlash from Fellow Republicans
Pakistan Pushes for Progress in US–Iran Peace Talks
