Rubio says Mojtaba Khamenei is alive as he presses for an Iran deal

WASHINGTON: United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday that Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive and showing signs of becoming more active, while also saying Washington still sees a possible path to an agreement with Tehran.

Rubio said Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was wounded in US-Israeli attacks and has not appeared in public since taking office. He told lawmakers there were indications that the Iranian leader was taking a more engaged role. Mojtaba succeeded his father Ali Khamenei after Ali Khamenei was killed in the opening wave of US-Israeli strikes that began the war on February 28.

Appearing before the committee as the conflict entered its fourth month, Rubio said discussions on ending the war remained unresolved, though he maintained that a deal could still emerge soon. He said the war has engulfed the Middle East and contributed to a global energy crisis. One report said Rubio was testifying as the Trump administration sought congressional approval for a proposed 30% reduction in the foreign affairs budget and a 50% increase in military spending, and that he was scheduled to appear in three more hearings later on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Rubio, who also serves as President Donald Trump's national security adviser and was a senator from Florida until January 2025, faced lawmakers seeking a clearer explanation of the administration's approach to the conflict. According to one report, some Republicans have also begun expressing concern over the war.

Conditions for sanctions relief

Rubio said any easing of sanctions would depend on Iran sharply curbing its nuclear activities. He said Tehran would also need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for Gulf oil and gas shipments.

Addressing lawmakers, Rubio said a possible breakthrough could come quickly.