Rift Widens Between Iran’s Dealmakers and Ultraconservatives Over US Negotiations

What happened

Middle East Eye reports on leaked audio recordings exposing a widening divide in Iran’s leadership between reformist dealmakers aiming to negotiate peace with the United States and ultraconservatives actively opposing such diplomacy. The recordings capture influential figures debating the political fate of Iranian officials engaged in US negotiations, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure or battlefield claim should be read as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source. The recordings include a claim by Mohammad-Bagher Kharrazi that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei indicated he would accept Pezeshkian’s resignation if reiterated, reflecting intense pressure on pro-negotiation figures from principlist hardliners. However, these remarks were denied by the supreme leader’s office, while other leaked statements from a conservative insider assert Khamenei’s support for ongoing talks and criticism of ultraconservative opposition.

A senior reformist source contextualizes the power struggle as part of a succession battle, noting principlists initially opposed Khamenei’s leadership in favor of other hard-line candidates and have sought to undermine his inner circle through corruption accusations. The source attributes shifts in political dynamics to US President Donald Trump’s actions, which they say favored Mojtaba Khamenei.

Known from the source

• Leaked recordings reveal tension between Iran’s dealmakers and ultraconservative factions.
• Mohammad-Bagher Kharrazi claimed Mojtaba Khamenei would accept Pezeshkian’s resignation if repeated.
• The supreme leader’s office denied the resignation acceptance claim attributed to Kharrazi.
• Ali Saeedi, a conservative figure, said Khamenei supports negotiations and criticized hard-line opposition.
• Principlists initially opposed Mojtaba Khamenei’s succession and preferred other hard-line candidates.

What remains unclear

Political analysts and conservative sources describe principlists’ efforts to consolidate power by sidelining Pezeshkian and Ghalibaf, framing them as political liabilities within Iran’s elite. Despite these maneuvers, the supreme leader reportedly continues to trust Ghalibaf, who remains involved in US negotiations. Ultraconservatives appear motivated by fears that a US deal would weaken their influence and strengthen moderates.

What remains unclear: Verification of the leaked audio recordings' authenticity and context. Clarification on the supreme leader’s exact stance on the resignation claims and negotiation support. Confirmation of the internal political dynamics and influence attributed to principlists and ultraconservatives. Ensure correct spelling and transliteration of Iranian officials' names.

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.