Tehran, Iran. Iranian political factions are reported to be competing for influence as pressure from a US naval blockade and peace-related negotiations intensify. Iran International cited sources saying President Masoud Pezeskian is considering removing Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Claims of rifts over nuclear talks
Iran International, citing at least two sources, reported that Pezeskian and parliament speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf accuse Araghchi of following Revolutionary Guards instructions during talks with the United States over Iran’s nuclear programme without first consulting the presidency.
The same sources said that in recent weeks Araghchi has abandoned the government line, has not briefed Pezeskian on developments in talks with US officials, and has instead liaised with Revolutionary Guards Commander Ahmad Vahidi and followed his instructions.
According to Iran International, Pezeskian has told associates he is considering removing Araghchi if the same approach continues.
US claims and Iran’s response
US President Donald Trump previously said the United States had caused deep leadership divisions in Iran and that this was why Tehran agreed to extending the ceasefire.
Iranian leaders rejected that claim and said they are willing to resume negotiations on the condition that the naval blockade is lifted.
Earlier reports of internal tensions
International Iranian outlets operating outside Iran have reported that tensions within Iran’s upper echelons are longstanding.
Those outlets reported that on March 28 Pezeskian and Vahidi had major policy disagreements over how the war is conducted and the impact on the economy and citizens’ living standards.
A few days later, reports said Pezeskian had been politically isolated and stripped of most powers, including authority to appoint replacements for government members killed during the war.
According to the same reports, Vahidi directed that highly sensitive administrative positions would be directly controlled by the Revolutionary Guards.
What impact could reported divisions in Iran’s leadership have on future nuclear talks with the United States?