TEHRAN/ISLAMABAD – Iran has informed international mediators that it requires several days to consult with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei before submitting a revised peace proposal to the United States, according to sources familiar with the mediation process .
The delay follows President Donald Trump’s rejection of an earlier Iranian proposal that sought to prioritise reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the war while deferring nuclear negotiations to a later stage . Trump has insisted that any agreement must address Iran’s nuclear program comprehensively .
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to consult with Iran’s top leadership upon returning to Tehran after a visit to Russia . However, sources indicate the process is slow due to “difficulty in communicating with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, whose location is being kept secret” for security reasons .
The communication challenges stem from heightened security protocols following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba’s father, in the ongoing conflict. Mojtaba assumed leadership under unprecedented circumstances and has remained in hiding amid fears of further attacks, fueling speculation about his accessibility and decision-making capacity .
Pakistani mediators continue to facilitate indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran . Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam recently praised Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts, describing diplomats as “architects of peace” .
Despite the temporary pause, officials expect Tehran to submit a revised proposal “in the coming days” . Meanwhile, Trump has maintained that the US naval blockade of Iranian ports will continue until a satisfactory agreement is reached .
