Bilawal Bhutto Statements on Ayatollah Khamenei

Updated: 9:48 AM PKT — June 3, 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is playing a more active role in ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Speaking before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio said there are indications Khamenei is alive and deeply involved in state affairs, though his instructions are reportedly relayed through written messages and intermediaries.

According to Rubio, talks now cover aspects of Iran’s nuclear program that Tehran was unwilling to discuss a month ago. However, he cautioned this does not guarantee an agreement. US conditions include the complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and significant concessions on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions. While US President Donald Trump insists talks are continuous, Iranian sources report no recent contact, citing a tough stance due to mistrust of the US.

Updated: 10:37 PM PKT — June 2, 2026

Iranian authorities are preparing for a large-scale, three-day public funeral for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly martyred on February 28 during US-Israeli attacks. Officials anticipate between 15 to 20 million people will attend the main ceremonies in Tehran, with additional funeral prayers to be held in Mashhad and Qom.

The final rites are expected to take place around the end of Dhul-Hijjah or the beginning of Muharram. In accordance with his will, Ayatollah Khamenei will be buried at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad. Large numbers of visitors from Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and Bangladesh are also expected to attend.