Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi publicly celebrated Islamic Republic Day in Tehran on Tuesday night, a notable event given the uncertainty surrounding the country’s leadership.

Leadership Uncertainty Following 'Operation Epic Fury'

The public appearance of Pezeshkian and Araghchi comes after the launch of 'Operation Epic Fury' on February 28, which involved American and Israeli military attacks targeting key figures within the Iranian Islamist regime. The attacks reportedly targeted dozens of powerful individuals, including the nation’s “supreme leader,” Ali Khamenei.

Succession and the Role of Mojtaba Khamenei

Initially, Ali Larijani, a top advisor to Khamenei, was considered a likely interim leader. However, Iran has since designated Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ali Khamenei, as the new “supreme leader.” Mojtaba Khamenei had not previously held public office and was not a well-known political figure before his appointment.

As of press time, Mojtaba Khamenei has not made a public appearance or released any live video statements, fueling speculation about his ability to lead and even his current status.

Public Appearances and Diplomatic Talks

Pezeshkian was seen greeting crowds and taking selfies with citizens, while Araghchi opted for a more discreet approach, initially covering his head with a hoodie. Footage of the event was shared on Iranian and Chinese state media, including CGTN.

“I came to be among them, to draw energy from the movement on the ground and to enjoy this unity and popular cohesion,” Araghchi stated in an on-camera interview. “Seeing these people truly gives tremendous morale to everyone and I am just a small part of these people.”

Araghchi also confirmed, in an interview with Al Jazeera on Tuesday, that communications with the United States were ongoing, though he avoided using the term “negotiations.” “I receive messages from Witkoff directly, as before, and this does not mean that we are in negotiations,” he said. “There is no truth to the claim of negotiations with any party in Iran. All messages are conveyed through the Foreign Ministry or received by it, and there are communications between security agencies.”

Trump's Claims of Progress

These developments follow statements from former President Donald Trump, who has asserted that his administration is engaged in “serious discussions” with a “NEW, AND MORE REASONABLE, REGIME” in Iran to end military operations. Trump described the country’s alleged “new” leadership as “much less radicalized and far more intelligent,” claiming the Iranian president had requested a ceasefire.

Trump also stated that Iran has changed since the beginning of the conflict, fulfilling a goal of the hostilities. Iran has resisted confirming any negotiations with Trump, despite his insistence that talks have been ongoing.

Iran's Stance on Conflict Resolution

Iran has also issued statements to the European Council, expressing a “necessary will to end this conflict” but emphasizing “essential conditions” must be met before halting attacks on its neighbors. “The solution to normalizing the situation is the cessation of their aggressive attacks,” a representative claimed.

Mojtaba Khamenei has not made any substantive statements regarding a resolution to the conflict. Reports from Iran-friendly media suggest he issued a written statement acknowledging his appointment, but without verifiable proof of its authenticity. Rumors regarding Khamenei’s health and competence have circulated widely, fueled by the secrecy surrounding his status.