Away from public view, an ‘injured’ Mojtaba Khamenei is reported to have played a pivotal role in shaping a temporary truce between Iran and the United States, even as tensions appeared to be spiraling toward a wider conflict.
In Tehran on Tuesday, expectations were set for escalation: Iran was preparing for a potential large-scale US strike, Gulf nations were bracing for retaliation, and Washington seemed ready for a prolonged confrontation—albeit not a nuclear one. Yet, in a dramatic turn just minutes before the deadline set by Donald Trump, both sides announced a two-week ceasefire, defying widespread fears of a breakdown. The move marked another unexpected shift in a conflict that has stretched over five weeks.
Behind the scenes, intense diplomatic activity unfolded. Mediators, including Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt, reportedly exchanged multiple draft proposals between the two sides. At the same time, pressure from China and direct instructions from Khamenei helped steer negotiations towards compromise.
Also read: US-Iran truce trembles as missiles hit Iran, UAE, Kuwait
According to reports, the breakthrough emerged during a ‘chaotic’ day of diplomacy. US envoy Steve Witkoff initially dismissed Iran’s proposal as a ‘disaster’, but sustained mediation efforts gradually narrowed differences. Under the terms of the ceasefire, Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and halt attacks on the US, Israel, and other countries in the Middle East. In return, Trump signaled a pause in expanding military action, though Israel clarified that its conflict with Hezbollah would continue.
This episode marked one of the first instances of Mojtaba Khamenei taking a direct and active role in high-level decision-making. Despite earlier reports suggesting he was seriously ill—possibly unconscious in Qom or receiving treatment in Russia following injuries from alleged joint US-Israeli strikes—he remained engaged in the process. Due to security concerns, including reported assassination threats from Israel, he is said to have communicated through intermediaries passing written messages.
Sources indicated that Khamenei ultimately approved the ceasefire proposal by Monday night, calling it a ‘breakthrough’. Alongside him, Abbas Araghchi played a key role in negotiations, persuading commanders of the Revolutionary Guards to accept the deal.
Meanwhile, China’s involvement, though largely behind the scenes, proved significant. A close partner of Iran, Beijing reportedly urged Tehran to adopt a more flexible stance as tensions escalated. According to reports citing Iranian officials, China actively encouraged de-escalation when earlier mediation efforts had stalled over Iran’s 10-point demands and increasingly severe warnings from Washington.
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