The position of moderates supporting U.S. negotiations in Iran is diminishing. During the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, key figures from the negotiating faction faced attacks from hardliner supporters, revealing internal divisions, according to a report by The New York Times on July 8.
Masoud Pezeshkian, the Iranian president, participated in the funeral procession on July 6, where he was threatened by hardliner crowds. Videos circulating online showed some in the crowd shouting, 'Death to the appeasers,' as they surrounded him.
Abbas Araghchi, the foreign minister and a key member of Iran's negotiating team, was also attacked during the funeral. The Times reported that Araghchi was pushed into an alley, where he was struck with stones and verbally assaulted by hardliner supporters.
These incidents illustrate the intensifying power struggle within Iran following the war. While the negotiating faction once seemed to gain the upper hand in pursuing diplomatic solutions, Khamenei's death and funeral have allowed hardliners to resurface aggressively.
Recent military clashes in the Strait of Hormuz have further exacerbated internal conflicts. Following an attack on commercial vessels, believed to be led by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the U.S. conducted airstrikes on Iranian military facilities in the south for two consecutive days. Iran retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting U.S. bases in Bahrain and Kuwait.
The Times reported that Iranian politics is mired in blame-shifting and internal chaos. It remains uncertain whether Iran will escalate military conflicts or continue diplomatic negotiations.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.