Iran’s leadership is in turmoil as efforts to dismiss Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi intensify amid accusations of his alignment with the Revolutionary Guard. President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are leading the push for Araghchi’s ouster.
Pezeshkian has told close associates that he will dismiss Araghchi if such conduct continues. He believes Araghchi has acted more like an aide to Revolutionary Guard Commander Ahmad Vahidi than a cabinet minister.
Araghchi coordinated directly with Vahidi without informing the president, causing significant frustration within the government. Ghalibaf resigned as head of the negotiating team after being reprimanded for including nuclear discussions in talks with the US.
On April 24, Araghchi traveled alone to Islamabad to deliver Tehran’s proposal to Pakistani officials. The United States president subsequently rejected this proposal.
Divisions within Iran’s leadership are evident regarding negotiations with the United States. A group of lawmakers aligned with hardline politician Saeed Jalili refused to support the negotiating team.
The Revolutionary Guards are reportedly controlling key managerial positions due to the critical situation. Araghchi stated that cooperation between Iran and Russia continues to expand amid regional uncertainty.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described a recent meeting as constructive and practical. Meanwhile, Araghchi asserted that the United States failed to achieve its objectives in the recent conflict with Iran.
