Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Monday, June 23, 2025
From the Liveblog of
Monday, June 23, 2025
Witkoff in contact with Iran after US strikes, Khameini’s hiding is stalling talks — CNN
Nava Freiberg is The Times of Israel's deputy diplomatic correspondent.
US special envoy to the Mideast Steve Witkoff has remained in touch with Iranian counterparts since the American strikes on Iran on Sunday, but is finding it increasingly difficult to hold effective communications, due to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei being in hiding, CNN reports.
According to the report, US officials believe Khamenei must sign off on any major diplomatic decision.
As a result, both direct and indirect communications between the US and Iran have largely stalled, two unnamed sources tell CNN.
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