Washington: The ceasefire process between the United States and Iran has currently stalled, while uS President Donald Trump took this decision unilaterally without formal negotiations. Meanwhile, the primary reasons behind the delay in ceasefire talks between Iran and the US are beginning to emerge. Significant time has passed since Mujtaba Khamenei was declared Iran's new Supreme Leader following his father's death, yet Iranians have neither seen him nor heard a direct address from him. US officials believe that Mujtaba's failure to appear publicly amidst assassination threats could be a major reason for the delay in talks.
Key Highlights
Rifts in Iranian Leadership
Citing Trump’s top aides, CNN reported that the White House believes the current Iranian leadership is fractured due to Khamenei’s absence from the active decision-making process. There is no clear consensus among Iranian leaders regarding their own positions or how much authority should be granted to negotiators concerning decisions related to the future of Tehran’s nuclear program. This internal friction is hindering the process of returning to the negotiating table.
The Major Obstacle in Peace Talks
The primary obstacle in the path of peace negotiations is the stockpile of enriched uranium held by Iran, while it's believed that Iran still possesses approximately 440 kilograms of enriched uranium. Trump’s team believes that one can only guess what instructions Mujtaba Khamenei is currently giving to his subordinates. A US official told CNN that while the possibility remains that the US and Iran will soon return to the negotiating table, nothing is certain regarding when or how this will happen.
Mujtaba Khamenei’s Role and Security Shield
Ali Vaez, Director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group, told CNN that Mujtaba doesn't appear to be in a position where he can actually make significant decisions or closely control the negotiations. Vaez believes the current establishment is using him only for final approval on major decisions rather than for negotiation strategies. This arrangement provides Mujtaba with a security shield, unlike his father, the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who appeared regularly and gave addresses. Mujtaba's absence also serves as a convenient excuse for Iranian negotiators to avoid criticism.
The Mystery of Mujtaba Khamenei’s Location
Since the start of the conflict, Mujtaba Khamenei has remained entirely out of public view. Statements issued in his name have been read on national television or posted on social media. The Islamic regime has even utilized AI-generated videos of Khamenei to deliver messages, fueling speculation that he's either suffering from a physical disability or is abroad. Last month, CNN reported that Mujtaba Khamenei was injured in attacks carried out by the US and Israel on February 28. These strikes, which killed several senior military and security officials including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, aimed to destroy Iran's nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities.