Reports: Growing divide between Iran’s dealmakers and ultraconservatives over US agreement efforts

What happened

Middle East Eye reports that Iran's political landscape is increasingly divided between two camps: one advocating a deal with the United States to end nearly six months of hostilities, and another ultraconservative faction determined to block any agreement. The hard-line Principlists are reportedly applying heightened pressure on reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, who support negotiations with Washington.

According to the source, Principlists fear that any US deal would politically marginalize their faction and diminish their influence over Iran’s future direction. In this context, a leaked video surfaced featuring Mohammad-Bagher Kharrazi, brother-in-law of Masoud Khamenei (the Supreme Leader's younger brother), which critics interpret as part of a broader hard-line campaign to undermine deal proponents within the government.

In the video, Kharrazi claims that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei formally stated he would accept Pezeshkian’s resignation if repeated, as Pezeshkian is said to have threatened resignation 27 or 28 times but now fears raising the issue again. Kharrazi further alleges that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has been sidelined from US negotiations following a direct order from Khamenei.

Known from the source

• Iran’s political scene is divided into factions for and against a US deal amid ongoing hostilities.
• Principlists apply pressure on reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf.
• A leaked video features Mohammad-Bagher Kharrazi referencing statements by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei about Pezeshkian’s resignation.
• Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is reportedly sidelined from US negotiations per an alleged order from Khamenei.

What remains unclear

The reported sidelining of Araghchi and increased pressure on reformists indicate a fraught negotiation environment, raising questions about Iran’s internal cohesion on potential diplomatic breakthroughs with the US. These dynamics could significantly affect Iran’s nuclear policy, regional security calculations, and the possibility of sanction relief tied to an agreement.

What remains unclear: Verification of the leaked video’s authenticity and context. Confirmation that Mojtaba Khamenei made the alleged formal statement regarding Pezeshkian’s resignation. Verification of Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s sidelining and the nature of Khamenei’s order. Ensure balanced attribution to all claims to avoid speculative blame.

Evidence note

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

Original source: Middle East Eye. Open the source.