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US Intel Says Iran's Khamenei Shaping War Strategy
U.S. intelligence says he is directing Iran’s response through couriers and face-to-face meetings as officials question who can make binding decisions.
U.S. intelligence assesses that Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is "playing a crucial role" in shaping wartime strategy and directing negotiations with the United States despite remaining isolated.
Khamenei remains isolated while receiving medical treatment for severe injuries and avoids electronics, communicating only through couriers, which prevents U.S. officials from visually confirming his location or precise authority.
Intelligence reports indicate two-thirds of Iran's missile launchers survived recent strikes, while Tehran can likely endure the U.S. blockade for four more months without complete economic destabilization.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday that Iran's system remains "fragmented," hindering the regime's ability to present unified proposals and complicating diplomatic negotiations.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a two-and-a-half-hour meeting with Khamenei earlier this week, marking the first reported in-person contact since his injuries; officials expect updated images within one to two months.
Iran's supreme leader is "in full health," Iranian officials say - On the other hand, American intelligence sources estimate that he is communicating via messengers - He remains injured, is being informed, but the Guards seem to have the final say