Story perspectives

Khamenei Backs Nuclear Framework, Hidden Behind Couriers

5/25/2026

Summary

Khamenei Approves Deal

U.S. officials say Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei agreed in principle to the draft nuclear framework.
Khamenei, injured in U.S.-Israeli strikes during Operation Epic Fury, remains hidden in an undisclosed location reachable only through a labyrinth of couriers.
The courier system forces long delays on U.S. deal terms and slows Iranian replies.
Senior Iranian officials negotiating with President Donald Trump cannot contact Khamenei directly and do not know his exact whereabouts.

Summary

U.S. Intel Targets

U.S. intelligence breached Iranian networks, allowing U.S. and Israeli forces to locate and eliminate many senior leaders in the war.
A White House spokesperson refused comment on the classified intelligence about the supreme leader’s hidden whereabouts and courier system.
The supreme leader issued broad directives to subordinates, defining permissible and prohibited negotiation topics.
He is using stringent security, staying in fortified bunkers for extended periods to avoid assassination.

History

Historical Context

Iran’s nuclear controversy began in 2002 when undisclosed facilities were revealed, prompting IAEA referrals and UN sanctions from 2006 onward. Secret talks in 2013 led to the Geneva interim pact, which paved the way for the July 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that lifted about $7 billion in sanctions. Ongoing hidden courier networks now threaten a repeat of the 2018 U.S. withdrawal.

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Khamenei Approves Deal

U.S. officials say Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei agreed in principle to the draft nuclear framework.
Khamenei, injured in U.S.-Israeli strikes during Operation Epic Fury, remains hidden in an undisclosed location reachable only through a labyrinth of couriers.
The courier system forces long delays on U.S. deal terms and slows Iranian replies.
Senior Iranian officials negotiating with President Donald Trump cannot contact Khamenei directly and do not know his exact whereabouts.

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