Individuals assemble beneath a massive image of Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, at a memorial to commemorate the 40th day following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli coordinated attacks, in Tehran, Iran, on April 9. Majid Saeedi/Getty Images
For many years, the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was the constant presence in Iranian decision-making. Not a week went by without a talk, a decision, a meticulously planned involvement. Throughout the Obama-era discussions regarding Tehran’s nuclear program, he was quite prominent, occasionally undermining his own diplomats.
However, everything shifted after his assassination and the rapid elevation of his son Mojtaba as his successor.
Iranians have neither seen him nor heard their new leader. A state television anchor read aloud his initial claimed message while displaying a still image.
As the US and Iran engage in diplomacy, it remains uncertain what role, if any, Khamenei the younger is fulfilling. Is he aware? Is he establishing the guidelines, defining the limits his negotiators require? Or is the leadership position effectively unoccupied, with the lack of presence being more a political fact than a deliberate strategy?
We just don’t know, and Iran’s unclear political structure complicates the search for answers even further. However, the more time Khamenei spends away from the public, the more intense the inquiries will grow.
Up until now, any agreement lacking the endorsement of a supreme leader was not one the Iranian political system could maintain. Have we moved into a new stage in Iranian politics where the leader’s apparent approval is no longer necessary?
Lebanese presidency “unaware” of conversation between Aoun and Netanyahu.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun participates in a press conference at the presidential palace in Baabda, Lebanon, on February 16. Mohamed Azakir/Reuters/Archive
A spokesperson stated Thursday that the Lebanese presidency is “unaware of any call” between President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, coming just hours after US and Israeli officials suggested direct discussions between the two leaders.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!“A spokesperson for Aoun informed Xenix news that they are unaware of any call taking place; if it occurs, an announcement will be made.”
On Thursday, Israeli officials announced that Netanyahu and Aoun were set to converse – following the first direct talks between Israel and Lebanon in over forty years that took place in Washington, DC, earlier this week.
US President Donald Trump mentioned in a social media post that the leaders of Israel and Lebanon would converse – without providing specifics on the location or means of their communication.
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