US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive and becoming “increasingly engaging” in state affairs and diplomatic discussions, putting an end to growing speculation surrounding the Iranian leader’s condition and whereabouts. Rubio made the remarks during testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee as lawmakers discussed the ongoing Middle East crisis, Iran’s nuclear program, and negotiations linked to regional tensions.

Rumors about Mojtaba Khamenei had intensified in recent weeks after he largely disappeared from public view following reports that he was injured during US-Israeli military strikes earlier this year. Social media speculation and conflicting reports triggered widespread questions over whether Iran’s top leader was still actively governing the country. Rubio said there are clear indications that Khamenei remains involved behind the scenes, particularly through intermediaries connected to ongoing negotiations.

Mojtaba Khamenei became Iran’s Supreme Leader earlier in 2026 after the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, during the Iran war. His appointment marked one of the biggest political shifts in Iran in decades and drew global attention because of his close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Unlike his father, Mojtaba has maintained a relatively low public profile for years, rarely appearing in public or speaking directly to international media. Political analysts believe this secrecy has contributed to repeated rumors about his health and leadership status.

Rubio’s latest comments come as Washington and Tehran remain engaged in indirect discussions over Iran’s nuclear activities and regional security concerns. According to the US administration, Iran has recently shown willingness to discuss parts of its nuclear program that were previously considered non-negotiable. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route, has also become a major point of discussion in the talks. Rubio stated that reopening and securing the waterway remains a key condition in broader negotiations with Tehran.

Iranian authorities have not officially responded to Rubio’s latest statement. The uncertainty surrounding Iran’s leadership has drawn close attention from world powers and financial markets, as any instability in Tehran could significantly impact oil prices, regional conflicts, and international diplomacy.

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