United States intelligence officials say Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is hiding in a secret bunker with almost no direct contact with the outside world, according to a report by Columbia Broadcasting System News. Communication with him reportedly requires a complex network of couriers, creating severe delays and isolating him from even senior figures within his own government.

The extreme secrecy has disrupted Iran's governing system. Officials attempting to negotiate with the administration of President Donald Trump have struggled to communicate internally, slowing progress on a potential diplomatic agreement. Messages sent from Washington must pass through multiple intermediaries, often causing significant delays before any response is returned.

Khamenei is said to be taking extraordinary precautions after being wounded in joint United States and Israeli strikes during Operation Epic Fury. He has not appeared publicly since before the conflict began, and even high-ranking officials reportedly do not know his location. Intelligence officials believe deep fears of infiltration have driven Iran's remaining leadership to operate from fortified bunkers with minimal direct contact.

Despite the communication challenges, a senior administration official said Khamenei has agreed to the general framework of a draft deal, with final confirmation potentially expected within days.