Iran's top leadership under strain as ex-negotiator claims secret directives from supreme leader
A former Iranian negotiator, Mahmoud Nabavian, claims to have seen secret correspondence from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei that allegedly overruled or constrained the government’s negotiating team. The interview on state TV was cut short, and Nabavian faces potential legal action, amid broader tensions between hardliners and centrists. Nabavian’s account describes 11 conditions for continuing talks, including compensation from the US, retaining uranium enrichment rights, sanctions relief, releasing frozen assets, and control over the Hormuz Strait. The episode suggests the supreme leader is taking a hands-on approach to negotiations, with the broadcaster resigning staff and officials disputing the claims as old or illegal.
