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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also played a central role in advancing talks and persuading military leadership to accept a deal.
File photo of Mojtaba Khamenei. (Photo Credit: X)
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Ali Khamenei played a decisive role in steering Tehran toward a ceasefire with the United States, approving negotiations at a critical moment even as President Donald Trump publicly threatened escalation, Axios reported. Follow Live Updates Here
For the first time since the conflict began, Khamenei instructed Iranian negotiators to move towards a deal, sources said, marking a breakthrough after weeks of military escalation and stalled diplomacy.
Behind-The-Scenes Push For Deal
The shift came as US and Israeli officials were preparing for a possible large-scale escalation. Pentagon officials and US forces in the region were bracing for a major bombing campaign, while regional allies anticipated significant Iranian retaliation.
Also Read: Who Really Won The US-Iran War? 3 Reasons Why Both Countries Are Claiming Victory After Ceasefire
Inside Iran, civilians had begun fleeing amid fears of imminent strikes, even as diplomatic efforts gathered pace behind closed doors.
Negotiations intensified on Monday, with US envoy Steve Witkoff rejecting Iran’s initial 10-point proposal as inadequate, triggering a rapid series of revisions. Pakistani mediators shuttled proposals between Washington and Tehran, while Egypt and Turkey also worked to bridge differences.
By Monday night, an updated proposal for a two-week ceasefire had received US approval, leaving the final decision to Khamenei, who was closely involved in the process.
Khamenei’s Role And Final Call
Operating under heightened security concerns and communicating through intermediaries, Khamenei’s approval was described by sources as the key turning point in the negotiations.
Also Read: Expect Unimpeded Freedom Of Navigation Through Strait Of Hormuz: MEA On US-Iran Ceasefire
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also played a central role in advancing talks and persuading military leadership to accept a deal, while China advised Tehran to seek a diplomatic off-ramp.
“Without his green light, there wouldn’t have been a deal,” a regional source said, reported Axios.
Ceasefire Takes Shape Amid Uncertainty
By Tuesday morning, negotiators were nearing agreement, even as Trump issued a stark warning that “a whole civilisation will die tonight,” adding to uncertainty around the outcome.
Despite reports suggesting talks had collapsed, officials involved said negotiations were continuing and gaining momentum.
Vice President JD Vance engaged with mediators from Pakistan, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remained in close contact with Trump, amid concerns in Israel over losing influence in the process.
Also Read: From Alexander, Genghis Khan To Trump: Why Iran’s 7,000-Year-Old Civilisation Outlives Every Invader
By midday, there was broad convergence on a two-week ceasefire. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly outlined the terms hours later, urging both sides to accept.
Trump, facing pressure from allies to reject the deal, ultimately moved forward after securing Israel’s commitment and holding final discussions with Pakistani leadership.
US forces were ordered to stand down shortly after the announcement, and Iran confirmed it would adhere to the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz under coordinated arrangements.
Fragile Truce And Unresolved Issues
While the ceasefire has paused hostilities, significant differences remain between the US and Iran on key issues, including nuclear policy and regional security concerns.
Also Read: Pakistan’s Late-Night Call Blitz, China’s Guest Role: How US-Iran Ceasefire Was Brokered
Officials indicated that upcoming talks in Pakistan, likely led by Vance for the US, will be critical in determining whether the truce can evolve into a longer-term agreement or whether the conflict could resume.
April 08, 2026, 2:20 PM IST
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