US intelligence says Mojtaba Khamenei shaped Iran war strategy, report says

TEHRAN: US intelligence agencies believe Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, played a role in shaping Tehran's wartime strategy and its negotiations with Washington, a CNN report cited by Express Tribune on Friday.

Khamenei has remained out of public view after suffering injuries during the war. There is still uncertainty within US assessments over how much authority he currently holds inside Iran's leadership structure after attacks during the conflict killed several senior officials, including his father.

US officials believe Khamenei continued to communicate while recovering, using trusted couriers and face-to-face contacts. His injuries included burns and shrapnel wounds.

Questions over current authority

US intelligence has not reached a clear conclusion on the extent of Khamenei's present control over decision-making in Tehran. That uncertainty comes after the war altered Iran's senior leadership, with a number of top officials reported killed in attacks.

Even so, the assessment cited said Khamenei was involved in key wartime decisions as well as contacts linked to negotiations with the United States.

Iranian officials, however, said he was recovering well. Mazaher Hosseini, the head of protocol in the office of the supreme leader, said on Friday that Khamenei's condition had improved and rejected speculation about his health.

Khamenei's condition had improved

Military capability seen weakened, not eliminated

US intelligence assessments found that Iran's military capabilities had been degraded by American strikes, but not wiped out. Many missile launchers were still operational despite the attacks.

Much of the government's routine functioning is believed to be in the hands of senior members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf as diplomatic efforts with the Trump administration continue.

The developments come amid continuing focus on Iran's internal power structure following the war and as contacts with Washington remain under way.

Express Tribune also referred to a related development under the heading: Read: Trump threatens 'Project Freedom Plus' if Iran deal not sealed.