U.S. officials stated on May 24, 2026, that negotiations between the United States and Iran have been hindered by the isolation of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who is reportedly in a location with limited communication access. According to CBS News, Khamenei is difficult to reach, which results in delays in responses to U.S. proposals. The officials noted that the information he receives is often outdated, causing latency in his replies.
The comments from U.S. officials followed President Donald Trump's assertion that a peace agreement with Iran has been largely negotiated, although he later clarified that it has not been fully finalized. Some Republican Senators expressed opposition to the deal, while Trump defended the negotiations, stating that any agreement made would be beneficial.
Oil prices fell on the same day amid discussions of a potential peace deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Reports indicate that many high-ranking Iranian officials also lack direct communication with Khamenei and have been spending extended periods in secure locations. U.S. and Israeli intelligence have reportedly played a role in targeting Iran's senior leadership during the ongoing conflict.
Khamenei has not been publicly seen since before the conflict began, and Iranian officials recently disclosed details about injuries he sustained from a strike earlier this year.