Khamenei 'sidelined completely' in Tehran's ceasefire talks with US
Tehran, June 27 (UNI) Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reportedly completely sidelined during Tehran's talks for ending its war with Israel, with its ceasefire negotiations with the US taking place without any involvement from Khamenei.
According to Iran International, the entire decision-making process was handled by Iran's Supreme National Security Council and President Masoud Pezeshkian, who moved swiftly to respond to a ceasefire proposal from US President Donald Trump.
While establishing contact with Khamenei was considered, no such opportunity presented itself, and due to the Supreme National Council wanting to quickly negotiate a truce, Khamenei was completely left in the dark about Tehran's ceasefire talks with Tel Aviv and Washington.
In recent days, Khamenei's communication capabilities have been also been severely limited due to security concerns, particularly owing to fears of an attack on his location.
The Iranian supreme leader is said to be hiding in a secret bunker somewhere in Lavizan, northeast of Tehran with all his close family members.
Due to communications disruptions and security concerns, the 86-year-old reportedly transferred all key decision-making powers to the to the supreme council of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shortly after the start of the attacks by Israel.
While Iran has not revealed his location, both Israel and the US have said that they could kill Khamenei if they wanted with Trump even saying that Washington knows where he is. Calling him an 'easy target', Trump had sternly warned that 'American patience is wearing thin', and Iran must quickly reach a deal.
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