Iran's military chief Ali Abdollahi met with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, according to state media — the second confirmed high-level meeting with Khamenei in recent days after President Pezeshkian's meeting earlier. Khamenei reportedly issued new military directives during the meeting, signaling continued active involvement in Iran's war strategy despite remaining out of public view. US intelligence assesses Khamenei is playing a critical role in shaping Iran's strategy, though the exact decision-making structure within the regime remains unclear following his appointment in March 2026.