Trump Claims Khamenei Directly Involved in US-Iran Nuclear Negotiations

President Trump publicly stated that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is directly involved in ongoing US-Iran nuclear negotiations — a significant escalation in diplomatic signaling that goes beyond previously acknowledged Rubio/Pezeshkian-level talks. The claim raises the stakes of the current negotiating round and signals potential for a high-level breakthrough, though Iran has not publicly confirmed Khamenei's direct role. The announcement came as both sides face a mid-June deadline tied to the expiring ceasefire extension.