Internal Iranian Hardliner Disputes Complicate Talks with Washington

As Tehran and Washington near a possible understanding to end their confrontation, internal disagreements within Iran's ruling circles have intensified, according to a report by the New York Times.

The hardline faction, known as the "Front of Resilience," is leading a political and media campaign aimed at undermining negotiations and preventing an agreement with the United States, despite increasing recognition among Iran's leadership of the need to resolve the current crisis.

Hardliners' Role in Iranian Negotiations

These internal conflicts reflect a broader struggle over Iran's post-war policy direction, occurring as the country faces mounting economic pressures. Influential figures within the regime have supported negotiations as a means to alleviate financial and economic burdens and to avoid potential internal unrest.

Although a final deal has not been confirmed, recent political indicators suggest that negotiations have progressed to an advanced stage. US President Donald Trump held a two-hour meeting with his administration in the White House's situation room to discuss available options, postponing a final decision on next steps, according to a senior US official.

On the Iranian side, chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf emphasized Tehran's cautious approach toward Washington, asserting that Iran will not take any steps before the other party moves first.

Media and Political Divisions in Iran

Recent developments have highlighted significant differences among Iranian state institutions regarding the talks. The official Iranian television has played a notable role in amplifying internal disputes and portraying negotiations with the United States as unproductive.

In an unusual rebuke, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized the official television management during a meeting with senior officials, calling for an end to inciting political divisions within the country. Pezeshkian noted that the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei supported the principle of negotiation and that engaging in talks was not a point of contention within state institutions, contrary to portrayals by some factions.

He added that current media rhetoric promotes a total rejection of negotiations, although Iranian leadership had previously approved this approach, warning that such messaging deepens divisions at a time requiring greater internal cohesion.

Hardliners Mobilize Public Support

Simultaneously, supporters of the hardline faction intensified their street activities. Tehran witnessed large gatherings where slogans called for continued confrontation with the United States and Israel and rejected any political concessions.

Footage broadcast by official television showed participants affirming their support for persisting in confrontation regardless of the costs, while media coverage sought to depict the Iranian public as unified behind this stance.

Several conservative parliamentarians escalated their political rhetoric. Ibrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, stated that Tehran holds the right to set conditions for any future agreement, asserting that Iran emerged from the recent confrontation in a position of strength enabling it to impose terms on the other side.

Political Analysts on Hardliners' Influence

Despite the noise generated by hardliners, observers and analysts inside Iran believe this faction does not represent the majority of Iranian society or the prevailing orientation within decision-making institutions.

Political analyst Mehdi Rahmati said negotiations continue despite hardliner objections, explaining that this group has become largely distant from key decision-making centers. However, he cautioned against underestimating their influence, noting that leaving them unchecked could threaten political stability since they still maintain a support base among Iran's most loyal circles.

Challenges in Managing Hardliner Factions

Analysts suggest that one of the leadership's challenges is managing this faction without alienating a segment that has been a prominent supporter of the regime during successive political and social crises.

Disputes have extended beyond the government and negotiation team to include the new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei himself. Hardline cleric and parliamentarian Hamid Rasaei sparked controversy by posting a social media comment titled "Who Deserves the Supreme Leadership?" widely interpreted as a veiled criticism of the new leader.

Rasaei's statements came despite Mojtaba Khamenei's repeated public support for the nuclear negotiation team since the war began. In his post, Rasaei referenced the story of Prophet Noah and his rebellious son, prompting political figures and Iranian media to accuse him of attempting to undermine the new leader's standing and exploiting political disputes for internal gains.

Following widespread criticism, Rasaei later asserted that his remarks were misunderstood and were not directed at the Supreme Leader.

Security Council Disputes and Economic Concerns

The report also reveals that disagreements have reached the Supreme National Security Council, the principal body responsible for Iran's security and strategic policies.

According to Iranian officials, Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and a prominent hardliner, sent a message to the Supreme Leader criticizing the negotiation team's performance under Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. Bagheri Kani viewed the Iranian negotiators as excessively flexible during talks with US Vice President J.D. Vance in Islamabad and urged the Supreme Leader to intervene and impose stricter controls on the negotiations.

Political circles in Iran interpreted this move as a direct attempt to weaken the negotiation team and reduce Qalibaf's influence, who is seen as one of the closest political allies of the new Supreme Leader.

Reflecting economic anxieties within ruling institutions, the report disclosed that Ali Bagheri Kani was the only member of the Supreme National Security Council who refused to sign a joint letter sent by President Masoud Pezeshkian and Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf to the Supreme Leader in April. The letter warned that the economic situation had reached a critical stage, highlighting a severe budget crisis and increasing risks of widespread protests if current pressures persisted without reaching an agreement with the United States.

Officials stated that Bagheri Kani not only withheld his signature but also shared the letter's contents with hardline parliamentarians who subsequently leaked details of the disputes to the public, broadening the controversy within the country.

Supreme Leader's Call for Unity

Despite these objections, the new Supreme Leader has continued to support negotiations through private stances and public statements emphasizing the importance of national unity.

In his latest remarks, Mojtaba Khamenei urged parliament members to avoid what he described as unproductive political divisions and to refrain from exacerbating social conflicts, warning that such disputes could benefit Iran's adversaries and weaken internal cohesion during a highly sensitive period.