Hardliners criticize President Pezeshkian for advocating talks and wartime economic transparency

What happened

Iran International reports that President Masoud Pezeshkian has come under fierce attack from Iran’s hardline factions after publicly defending negotiations with the United States and warning that war and sanctions are inflicting serious economic damage on the country. Pezeshkian questioned the logic of refusing talks by asking, “If we do not negotiate, then what should we do? Fight forever?” and emphasized any diplomacy would be conducted “with dignity.”

The central claim remains unconfirmed in the supplied material and should be treated as hearsay until corroborated by another reliable source or a named official. Hardline media outlets and politicians swiftly condemned Pezeshkian’s remarks. Raja News, aligned with the ultrahardline Paydari Party, labeled his position “deviational” and accused him of serving as a platform for pro-Western views. The outlet criticized reliance on negotiations, arguing that the enemy only understands force. Hardline MP Hamid Rasaei similarly denounced talks with the US as futile and warned they would not benefit Iran.

The dispute extends beyond diplomacy into debating the merits of openly acknowledging the country's economic woes amid war. Pezeshkian has spoken publicly about concrete problems such as disrupted oil exports, gasoline shortages, and the crushing impact of sanctions. These admissions drew criticism from hardline media accusing him of projecting weakness and painting a grim picture during wartime.

Known from the source

• President Masoud Pezeshkian publicly defended talks with the United States.
• He warned that war and sanctions are causing serious economic damage to Iran.
• Hardline factions and media outlets, including Raja News and MP Hamid Rasaei, have strongly criticized Pezeshkian.
• Pezeshkian highlighted issues such as blocked oil exports, gasoline shortages, and economic pressure from sanctions.
• Raja News accused Pezeshkian of promoting weakness and criticized his economic disclosures during wartime.

What remains unclear

The backlash has exposed deepening tensions within Iran’s conservative establishment, particularly between the Paydari camp and allies of parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who defended the government against what he called politically motivated attacks. Social media discourse shows hardline activists accusing Ghalibaf of enabling Pezeshkian’s candid approach, while supporters argue transparency builds public trust during conflict.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Verify any official Iranian government or supreme leader reaction to Pezeshkian’s statements beyond those from Raja News and Ghalibaf. Confirm details and outcomes of the Iran-Pakistan dialogue involving Naqvi and its implications for Iran-US communication. Check for independent verification of the economic hardships Pezeshkian described, such as current oil export data and gasoline production figures.

Evidence note

This story contains report-led claims. The article keeps those claims attributed and treats them as unconfirmed/hearsay unless independently corroborated.

Original source: Iran International. Open the source.