Iran's Leadership Faces Internal Struggles Amid Rising Tensions with the US

As Iran faces escalating tensions with the United States, reports reveal significant internal divisions within its leadership. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is at the center of a power struggle, with President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf considering his removal due to his ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The situation is further complicated by a growing rift between Pezeshkian and IRGC chief Ahmad Vahidi, as well as signs of discord within the Iranian parliament. This article delves into the complexities of Iran's political landscape amidst these challenges.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 1, 2026, 21:36 IST

Internal Conflicts in Iran's Leadership

As Iran grapples with escalating tensions with the United States, new reports indicate significant internal strife within its leadership. Central to this turmoil is Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is reportedly at the heart of a power struggle. A report from Iran International reveals that President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are contemplating Araghchi's removal due to his perceived closeness to the influential Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This development comes at a time when uncertainty looms over Tehran's leadership, particularly with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei's recent absence from public view. US President Donald Trump has also hinted at confusion within Iran's governing bodies.

Allegations Against Araghchi

Sources mentioned in the report allege that Araghchi has been acting under the directives of IRGC chief Ahmad Vahidi during nuclear negotiations, failing to keep the president informed. It appears that the foreign minister has been functioning more as an aide to Vahidi rather than as an autonomous member of the cabinet, coordinating with the Revolutionary Guards over the past fortnight without presidential oversight. Pezeshkian has reportedly expressed privately that he might dismiss Araghchi if this trend persists.

Growing Rift Between Pezeshkian and Vahidi

The tensions seem to extend beyond Araghchi, with indications of a widening rift between Pezeshkian and Vahidi. This discord is fueled by disagreements regarding the management of the ongoing war and its economic repercussions. Vahidi has allegedly advocated for increased IRGC control, insisting that critical government roles be directly managed by the military during the conflict, which effectively undermines the president's authority. Sources describe Pezeshkian as increasingly frustrated, facing what has been termed a political deadlock.

Political Fractures in Parliament

Signs of discord are also evident within Iran's parliament. A faction of hardline lawmakers reportedly declined to support a parliamentary statement endorsing the government's negotiating team. While most MPs backed the statement, those aligned with hardline politician Saeed Jalili refrained from offering their support, highlighting the fractures within the political landscape. Amid these tensions, Ghalibaf resigned as head of Iran's negotiating team after facing criticism regarding his approach to nuclear discussions. Araghchi has since assumed responsibility for the negotiations and recently traveled to Islamabad to present Tehran's latest proposal for discussions with the United States.