Iran Denies Health Rumors on Khamenei Aide, Confirms Injury; Pakistan Talks Approved by Khamenei

TEHRAN, May 1: A senior official in the office of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has dismissed reports about Mojtaba Khamenei’s health as an “enemy tactic,” while confirming he was injured in an attack at the start of the war.

Mohsen Qomi said speculation about Mojtaba Khamenei’s condition was being spread to provoke reactions and exploit them politically. He added that Khamenei had been inside a building targeted in the initial strike but moved to a courtyard minutes before the blast, which killed others present.

“Our most important issue now is to ensure his safety,” Qomi said, stressing his importance.

Separately, Iran’s deputy parliament speaker Ali Nikzad said talks with the United States via Pakistan were conducted with direct approval from Khamenei, countering claims of internal divisions within Tehran’s leadership.

Nikzad said the US side, under President Donald Trump, demanded a 20-year halt to Iran’s nuclear program and the transfer of enriched uranium—conditions Tehran “firmly rejected.”

The comments come after Trump canceled a planned visit by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Pakistan, citing “confusion” and “infighting” within Iran’s leadership.

Negotiations have also stalled over sequencing disagreements, with Washington pushing for immediate nuclear restrictions, while Tehran insists on ending the war and addressing maritime security, including the Strait of Hormuz, before broader talks.