Rubio: Hardliners hold ultimate power in Iran

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a stark assessment of Iran's internal power dynamics, stating that hardliners with an apocalyptic vision of the future hold the ultimate power in the country. Rubio highlighted the absence of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei from public view, noting he "has not been seen visibly, publicly, has not spoken, we have not heard his voice." This commentary suggests a significant internal power struggle is intensifying within the Iranian regime. The remarks underscore US concerns about the faction controlling Iran's strategic decisions amid ongoing regional tensions.