U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio Testifies on Iran’s Supreme Leader and Preconditions for a Nuclear Deal

On June 2, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is alive and “increasingly engaging” in diplomatic channels despite being wounded in the U.S.–Israeli strike that killed his father, Ali Khamenei. Rubio said Tehran’s willingness to discuss a nuclear agreement hinges first on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

The HinduRubio says Iran’s Mojtaba Khamenei alive, links sanctions relief to nuclear dealIran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive and "increasingly active" - RubioThe HillAl MonitorIran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive, increasingly engaging, Marco Rubio claims

The conflict began on February 28, 2026, when a joint U.S.–Israeli operation killed Ali Khamenei and senior officials, prompting Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, to assume the supreme leadership. The war has disrupted global oil flows, with the Strait of Hormuz previously handling roughly 20 % of world oil shipments, and has spurred a three-month-old cease-fire that negotiators seek to extend by 60 days.

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Rubio said Iran must “announce very clearly ‘The straits are now open, we’re not charging a toll’” and stop mining or firing on commercial vessels. He added that sanctions relief requires Tehran to “eliminate enrichment entirely and dismantle its stockpile of enriched uranium,” noting the IAEA estimates Iran holds about 970 pounds of 60 %-enriched uranium—enough for roughly ten nuclear weapons. Rubio expressed optimism that “the prospect before us could happen today, tomorrow, or next week,” but warned no guarantee a final deal will satisfy the Senate or the American public.

Al MonitorThe HinduThe HillRubio says Iran’s Mojtaba Khamenei alive, links sanctions relief to nuclear dealIran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive and "increasingly active" - RubioIran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive, increasingly engaging, Marco Rubio claims

Senator Cory Booker warned that the United States now faces a “worse situation” because Iran has shown it can shut down the Strait of Hormuz. Senators Ted Cruz and Roger Wicker cautioned that any emerging agreement must not resemble the 2015 JCPOA, fearing it could permit Iran to retain enrichment capacity.

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Sources differ on Khamenei’s condition: some claim he suffered severe leg injuries requiring amputation and a prosthetic, while others report facial burns and speech difficulties. No public appearance has been confirmed, and all communications are said to be “in writing and through intermediaries.” Rubio noted Iranian replies typically take three-to-five days, leaving the timeline for a response to U.S. proposals unclear.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive, increasingly engaging, Marco Rubio claims

• “I think there are indications out there that he is increasingly engaging at some level.” — Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive, increasingly engaging, Marco Rubio claims

• “The first thing that is a predicate to anything else happening, the straits have to be reopened,” — Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

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• “If it doesn't work out, then obviously we still have a problem with respect to their nuclear ambitions. But what they won't have is the conventional shield to hide behind any longer,” — Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

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• “has discovered, thanks to you all, the power of shutting down the Strait of Hormuz.” — Cory Booker, Senator

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