On May 31, local time, Pezeshkian stated during a cabinet meeting that "Iran's leadership should not consist solely of a limited group of leaders and bureaucrats."
He emphasized that not only the general public but also all social groups, economic stakeholders, and scientists should participate in Iran's decision-making process. "The more the public engages in decision-making and problem-solving, the greater the likelihood of resolving issues," he added.
Pezeshkian also urged that those in positions of responsibility must stand with the people during times of hardship to address problems together.
These comments come as hardliners, including the IRGC, are gaining influence amid the backdrop of war and peace negotiations with the United States. The IRGC possesses military power that surpasses the regular army, justifying its role in safeguarding Iran's theocratic regime, and has exerted significant influence across the economy and political landscape.
Pezeshkian is reportedly opposing military confrontation in favor of negotiations in the ongoing peace talks with the U.S., standing in contrast to internal hardliners.
As speculation grows about conflicts with hardliners centered around the IRGC, Iranian opposition media have reported that Pezeshkian has expressed a willingness to resign due to the IRGC's control over state affairs.
Iran International, a media outlet based in the UK, cited internal sources claiming that Pezeshkian submitted an official resignation letter to the office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei.
The report stated that Pezeshkian wrote in his resignation letter, "The president and government have been effectively excluded from the major and critical decision-making processes of the state, leading to a situation where hardliners within the IRGC have taken control of governance, making it impossible for the government to function and fulfill its legal responsibilities. Therefore, I will resign immediately."
However, the Iranian presidential office denied the resignation rumors, stating, "President Pezeshkian will not cease his service to the Iranian people."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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