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ConflictUS Intel: Iran's Supreme Leader in Hiding, Using Courier Network
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US intelligence officials report that Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is staying in an undisclosed location with limited outside contact, following injuries sustained in US and Israeli strikes during Operation Epic Fury. Messages are relayed through a network of couriers, causing significant delays in communication within Iran's leadership and affecting ongoing negotiations with the United States. Even senior Iranian officials do not know the leader's location and cannot contact him directly. A senior US administration official stated that Khamenei has agreed in principle to the outline of a potential deal, with final details still under discussion. US President Donald Trump expects a final decision in the coming days. Many Iranian leaders are operating under tight security, often staying in fortified locations and limiting contact with each other.
Source report
First Published: May 25, 2026 — 11:11 AM IST Source: Express Global Desk
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, reportedly injured in US and Israeli strikes during Operation Epic Fury, is staying in an undisclosed location with limited contact with the outside world, according to US intelligence officials cited by CBS News.
Officials told CBS News that messages to the leader are passed through a network of couriers, which has slowed communication within Iran's leadership and affected ongoing talks with the United States.
"When the US sends proposed details, there can be a long delay before we receive a response," officials said.
'Only Reached Through a Network of Couriers'
According to the report, even senior Iranian officials do not know the leader's location and cannot contact him directly.
Mojtaba Khamenei, who was injured in US and Israeli strikes in Operation Epic Fury, is taking extreme measures to avoid the strikes similar to those that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who ruled Iran from 1989 until February 28. Mojtaba Khamenei has not been officially seen or heard in public since before the start of the war.
Instead, information is relayed through intermediaries. One official said this means that "every piece of information he receives is dated and there's a lot of latency to his responses."
A White House spokesperson declined to comment on intelligence related to the leader's whereabouts or communication methods.
'Agreed to the Contours'
A senior US administration official said the supreme leader has agreed in principle to the outline of a possible deal, while final details are still under discussion.
US President Donald Trump has said he expects a final decision in the coming days.
Leaders Operating Under Restrictions
US officials said many Iranian leaders are working under tight security, often staying in fortified locations and limiting contact with each other.
"Watching them try to figure out how to talk to each other is almost like watching a sitcom. They are completely exasperated," one official said.
The supreme leader has given broad guidance on what can and cannot be negotiated, leaving officials to manage discussions within those limits.
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Source
The Indian ExpressWestern
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