Iran's leadership is reportedly pushing to oust Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for prioritising Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) chief Ahmad Vahidi's directives over government policy during US nuclear talks.
President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf view Araghchi as acting more like Vahidi's aide than a cabinet minister, sources told Iran International. Pezeshkian threatened dismissal if Araghchi continues bypassing him, following two weeks of unilateral moves.
The rift emerged after Ghalibaf—a former IRGC commander—was sidelined from Islamabad peace talks under IRGC pressure for broadening nuclear discussions. Araghchi then sought to lead negotiations amid stalled talks and US naval blockade of Iranian ports, Iran International reported.
IRGC influence has surged as Israel targets Iran's leadership through strikes. New supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father Ali, maintains strong Guard Corps ties despite dynastic succession concerns. Wartime security chief Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, replacing slain Ali Larijani, advances the paramilitary's 1979 revolution agenda.
Hardline Paydari faction politicians clashed with moderates over nuclear engagement—opposed by conservatives seeking no US talks, while moderates push sanctions relief for Iran's economy. Dozens of lawmakers refused to back the negotiation team despite a show of unity.