Sen. Rubio: Supreme Leader's son Mojtaba Khamenei is alive and shaping Iran
Rubio told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that U.S. analysts see Mojtaba taking a bigger role in Tehran — a change that alters who diplomats and rivals must read.
Jun 2, 2026, 10:04 PM EDT
Why it matters: Marco Rubio told senators that Mojtaba Khamenei is alive and appears to be taking a larger role in Iran's decision-making, a shift that changes who negotiators and regional capitals should watch.
Driving the news:
- Marco Rubio made the remarks at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing.
- He said there are "indications" Mojtaba Khamenei is participating more in leading the country.
- Rubio added that Mojtaba's public statements often arrive in writing and through other people.
What they're saying:
- "I think there are indications that he participates more (in leading the country) to some degree, even though all his statements are issued in writing and through other people." — Marco Rubio, U.S. senator, to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
The bottom line: Washington now treats Mojtaba Khamenei as an active power player in Tehran, not an absent figure.