Rubio Says Iran's Supreme Leader is Alive and Increasingly Active

(Central News Agency, Washington, April 2, Combined Foreign Reports) U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said today that Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is still alive and becoming increasingly active. Mojtaba Khamenei was injured during an attack by the United States and Israel and has not appeared in public since taking office.

According to AFP, Rubio stated before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee: "I think there are signs that he is increasingly involved in affairs to some extent."

The 56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei succeeded his father, Ali Khamenei, as Iran's Supreme Leader after his father's death. Ali Khamenei was killed in the first wave of airstrikes launched by the U.S. and Israel on February 28.

The three-month-long war has swept across the Middle East and triggered a global energy crisis. With negotiations at a standstill, Rubio testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today.

Rubio expressed hope for reaching an agreement with Iran while insisting that Tehran must strictly limit its nuclear program for sanctions to be lifted.

He said: "This possibility is in front of us. It could happen today, tomorrow, or next week."

Rubio pointed out that Tehran must agree to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for oil and gas transportation in the Persian Gulf.

He said: "They must very clearly announce 'the Strait is now open, and we will not charge a fee.' We will help clear the mines they have laid, and they must not fire on ships."

Furthermore, Rubio added: "They must agree to negotiate on strict and long-term limits, or even the cessation of enrichment activities."

Rubio continued: "Iran is sanctioned because they highly enriched uranium. Iran is sanctioned because of their nuclear activities. If they agree to abandon those actions, the sanctions will be lifted." (Editor: Zhang Xiaowen) 1150603