Iran's Supreme Leader Isolated, Slowing U.S. Negotiations

U.S. officials have revealed that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei is operating from an undisclosed, highly isolated location, significantly slowing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. The supreme leader's limited access to communication—relying on a network of couriers—has created delays in responding to U.S. proposals, according to intelligence sources. President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that while a peace deal has been largely negotiated, final approval could take days. Meanwhile, Republican senators, including Ted Cruz, Lindsey Graham, and Roger Wicker, have expressed skepticism about the potential agreement. Oil prices fell on Sunday after reports that the U.S. had agreed in principle to a deal reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Trump also noted that relations with Iran are becoming "more professional and productive." U.S. and Israeli intelligence have reportedly eliminated much of Iran's senior leadership during the war, forcing remaining officials to operate from fortified bunkers with minimal communication. Khamenei, who was injured in past strikes, has not been seen publicly since before the war.