Iran’s political leadership is reportedly experiencing significant internal divisions as tensions rise over the role of Abbas Araghchi in ongoing negotiations with the United States. According to multiple reports, both Masoud Pezeshkian and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are pushing for Araghchi’s removal, accusing him of bypassing the elected government and aligning too closely with military leadership during sensitive diplomatic engagements.
At the centre of the dispute is Araghchi’s alleged coordination with Ahmad Vahidi, a senior figure linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Sources suggest that Araghchi has been working directly with Vahidi without informing the president, leading to growing frustration within the executive branch. Pezeshkian is said to view the foreign minister’s actions as undermining civilian authority, with indications that he may move to dismiss him if the situation does not change.
These tensions reflect broader disagreements within Iran over the direction of negotiations with Washington, particularly on whether Tehran should include its nuclear programme in discussions aimed at securing a ceasefire and ending the ongoing conflict. The divide highlights a deeper power struggle between elected officials and military-linked leadership over control of foreign policy decisions.
The rift is not isolated. Earlier disagreements between Pezeshkian and Vahidi reportedly centred on the handling of the war and its economic and social consequences, with concerns that the Revolutionary Guards were increasingly asserting control over key administrative and strategic decisions. This has contributed to perceptions of a widening gap between civilian governance and military influence.
Divisions have also surfaced within the legislative sphere. A faction of hardline lawmakers associated with Saeed Jalili declined to support a parliamentary statement backing the negotiating team, signalling internal resistance even within political institutions. This lack of consensus underscores the fragmented nature of Iran’s leadership at a critical moment.
Further complicating matters, Ghalibaf reportedly stepped down from leading the negotiation team after facing criticism for attempting to include nuclear discussions in talks. Following this, Araghchi is believed to have taken a more direct role in diplomatic outreach, including travelling independently to Islamabad to present proposals—moves that have drawn additional scrutiny.
Overall, the situation highlights deepening fractures within Iran’s political and military establishment, as competing factions vie for influence over national strategy during a period of heightened geopolitical pressure and high-stakes negotiations.
