Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian today announced his meeting with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, which lasted nearly two and a half hours. This marked the first time President Pezeshkian had met Iran's Supreme Leader since Mojtaba Khamenei assumed office on 8/3. It was also the first instance of a senior Iranian government official directly discussing matters with the Supreme Leader.

"A notable aspect of the meeting was Supreme Leader Khamenei's humble and sincere approach to dialogue, his views, and demeanor, which fostered a discussion full of trust, calm, empathy, and frankness," Pezeshkian said, without disclosing details of the discussions.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran on 19/2. *Reuters*

According to Pezeshkian, Iran's highest-ranking leader communicates with citizens and other officials "with humility and a people-oriented spirit, setting an example for the country's administrative and management system."

This meeting occurred as many officials expressed optimism that the US and Iran are nearing an agreement to fully end hostilities. Axios reported on 5/5, citing sources familiar with the situation, that "the White House believes it is nearing consensus with Iran".

Mojtaba Khamenei was injured on 28/2 during a US-Israeli airstrike that initiated the campaign. The Supreme Leader has not appeared publicly since assuming office; his written statements have been read on Iranian state television.

Mojtaba Khamenei in Tehran in 2016. *AFP*

The US and Iran reached a ceasefire from 8/4. However, Iran's tightening of the Strait of Hormuz and the US's blockade of opposing seaports have led to a shortage of millions of barrels of oil in the global market, driving up fuel prices.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared on 5/5 that the "Horrific Rage" campaign against Iran had ended. According to him, issues related to Iran's nuclear program, including the fate of its highly enriched uranium stockpile, will be resolved through negotiations.

By Nguyen Tien (Source: Tasnim, IRIB, AFP, Reuters)