Ongoing US-Iran negotiations amid the conflict have centered on ceasefire proposals and sanctions relief, yet President Trump has repeatedly stated that he has not spoken directly with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and questions whether the Iranian leader is fully active or even alive following reported injuries. Trump has described Mojtaba's appointment as unacceptable and indicated a preference for greater US influence over Iran's leadership selection, while directing talks toward other officials. Recent Iranian counterproposals in May have been dismissed as insufficient, leaving the direct Trump-Mojtaba channel stalled despite regime efforts to project unified decision-making. Key upcoming catalysts include any public confirmation of Mojtaba's participation or breakthroughs in high-level diplomacy that could alter engagement dynamics.