A relative of Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said Thursday that the Iranian leader is open not only to negotiations with the United States, but also to political and commercial relations with Washington if the U.S. treats Iran “with respect.”

The remarks were made by Mohammad-Hossein Khoshvaght during an interview on Iranian state television, where he discussed the memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran and Khamenei’s position regarding future relations with Washington.

According to Khoshvaght, Mojtaba Khamenei supports negotiations with the United States and would also back broader political and commercial ties between the two countries under the right conditions. Khoshvaght, the brother-in-law of Mojtaba Khamenei’s brother Mostafa, added that security officials have advised Khamenei not to release even an audio recording of himself due to security concerns.

Questions regarding Khamenei’s condition and role in decision-making have persisted throughout the war and the negotiations between Washington and Tehran. During the conflict, Iran International reported that communications between Khamenei and Iranian officials were disrupted during the attacks.

According to the report, missile launches toward Israel were likely carried out under pre-established military protocols without coordination with the office of the Supreme Leader. Iran International also reported that the IRGC’s response to the Israeli strike in Beirut’s Dahieh appeared too rapid to have followed an exchange of messages with Khamenei.

In recent days, Iranian authorities have published funeral arrangements for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the opening strike of the war. It remains unclear whether Mojtaba Khamenei will make his first public appearance during the ceremonies.

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