Khamenei’s IRGC Representative Defends Iran Negotiators Amid Treason Accusations

What happened

The New Arab reports that Abdollah Hajji Sadeghi, Iran’s Supreme Leader’s representative to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has publicly defended Iranian negotiators against accusations of treason by hardline conservatives. This follows criticism over a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the United States, which some conservatives claim involved excessive concessions to Washington.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Hajji Sadeghi emphasized that the accusations contradict Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s position, noting that officials described by Khamenei as "sincere, hardworking and well-intentioned" should not be branded traitors. He also reiterated that the MoU was authorised by Khamenei and is legitimate despite some public reservations the Leader expressed after its signing on 18 June.

The memorandum was negotiated by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, whose political rivals accuse them of undermining Iran’s interests. Khamenei’s public message acknowledged fundamental reservations about the deal but confirmed his approval subject to assurances — specifically that Iran’s rights and the so-called “Axis of Resistance” would be safeguarded and excessive US demands refused.

Known from the source

• Abdollah Hajji Sadeghi is Iran’s Supreme Leader’s representative to the IRGC.
• Iran signed a memorandum of understanding with the United States last month.
• Hardline conservatives in Iran have accused negotiators Ghalibaf and Araghchi of making excessive concessions.
• Khamenei authorised the MoU despite expressing reservations in a 18 June public message.
• Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was appointed Supreme Leader following the killing of Ali Khamenei on 28 February.

What remains unclear

Hajji Sadeghi warned against internal disputes that could weaken national unity during what he described as a "stage of war and sacred jihad against arrogance," referring to Iran’s ongoing animosity with the US. He urged IRGC members and political elites to focus on implementing Khamenei’s guidance and to maintain vigilance against an adversary he characterized as untrustworthy.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Details of Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment as Supreme Leader following Ali Khamenei’s killing on 28 February, as reported by the source. Verification of the extent and impact of protests accusing negotiators of treason. Current status and details of exchange of fire between Iran and the US since the MoU signing.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: The New Arab. Open the source.