Iran's Vice President affirms negotiations require Supreme Leader's approval

Iran: The Islamic Republic of Iran is navigating ongoing regional conflicts and diplomatic channels with the United States amid active military and economic pressures. In the context of this news, Iranian officials emphasize that key decisions on missile strikes or negotiations must align with directives from the Supreme Leader and the Supreme National Security Council. Mojtaba Khamenei: Mojtaba Khamenei serves as Iran's Supreme Leader, having assumed the role following the death of his father Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes earlier in 2026. He has recently issued public messages warning against hybrid warfare tactics by adversaries and stressing the need for national cohesion during a fragile regional ceasefire. In the news, he is positioned as the ultimate authority on whether Iran pursues negotiations or missile operations. Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah: Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah is Iran's Vice President for Executive Affairs under President Masoud Pezeshkian, a role he has held since 2024. He has recently made statements affirming that the government follows the Supreme Leader and Supreme National Security Council on security and foreign policy matters. In the news, he publicly clarified the leadership's flexible approach to combining military readiness with potential diplomacy. Dual Approach: Iranian officials have indicated that pursuing missile operations and diplomatic negotiations simultaneously remains possible if directed by the leadership. Leadership Authority: The Supreme Leader and Supreme National Security Council hold final approval over all decisions regarding negotiations or military actions.