Split in Iranian regime over talks with US
The illusion of unity within the Iranian leadership is dispelling.
Mojtaba Khamenei. Photo: Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images
There is a fierce debate within the regime about the next steps in relations with the United States. According to Iran International, in a secret letter to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, high-ranking politicians state that Iran must negotiate with the Americans about its nuclear program, Bild writes.
Part of the leadership considers negotiations necessary to stabilize the situation. Others, on the contrary, view even the discussion of the nuclear issue as a clear violation of "red lines" — because, it is claimed, Khamenei gave instructions that this should not be discussed with Washington.
Some leading Iranian politicians signed the letter, while others refused.
Among those who signed are President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Their opponents, such as diplomat Ali Bagheri Kani, are even said to have deliberately circulated this letter.
At the same time, the dispute over negotiations has intensified. Hardliners accuse the negotiating team of deliberately violating the leadership's position. Some, like Deputy Head of the National Security Commission Mahmoud Nabavian, openly call the negotiations a "strategic mistake."
Meanwhile, the Iranian leadership is trying to hide the internal conflict. Several high-ranking politicians have circulated almost identical statements. Ghalibaf said: "There is no hardline or moderate line in Iran. We are all Iranians and revolutionaries." President Pezeshkian also emphasized unity with similar words.
However, it is precisely this demonstrative cohesion that now appears unconvincing. The intercepted letter shows: a fundamental conflict is unfolding behind the scenes.