'Increasingly Engaging': Marco Rubio Says Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Is Alive

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday told lawmakers that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen in public since assuming office, is alive and becoming “increasingly” involved in the country’s affairs.

Speaking before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio said there were signs that the 56-year-old leader was taking a more active role behind the scenes.

“I think there are indications out there that he is increasingly engaging at some level,” he told senators.

Mojtaba Khamenei assumed Iran’s highest office after his father, Ali Khamenei, was killed in the opening wave of US-Israeli strikes on February 28. The attack marked the beginning of a war that has continued for more than three months and has fuelled

instability across the Middle East while disrupting global energy markets.

Rubio Pushes For Nuclear Deal

Rubio’s comments came as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain stalled. The US secretary of state said Washington still hopes to reach an agreement with Tehran but stressed that Iran would need to make major concessions.

According to Rubio, Iran must significantly scale back or end its uranium enrichment activities if it wants relief from international sanctions.

He said a breakthrough remained possible and could come at any time, but insisted that Tehran must demonstrate a willingness to address concerns over its nuclear programme.

Rubio also said Iran would need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil and gas exports. He stated that Tehran should guarantee free passage for vessels and refrain from imposing restrictions or threats in the waterway.

Iran Plans Funeral For Ali Khamenei

Meanwhile, Iranian authorities announced plans for a three-day state funeral for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

The funeral had originally been scheduled for early March but was postponed because of the war. Tehran officials now say ceremonies will be held at a later date, likely during the Islamic month of Muharram.

Events are expected to take place in Tehran as well as the holy cities of Qom and Mashhad, where Ali Khamenei will be buried.

(With inputs from AFP)