Iran Hardliners Allege 'Soft Coup' by Officials Over US Agreement

Political tensions have intensified in Iran following the country's recent agreement with the United States, with hardline factions accusing President Masoud Pezeshkian and senior officials of undermining the Islamic Republic's revolutionary principles. The allegations, which have gained momentum after the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, centre on claims that the government's decision to negotiate with Washington amounts to a "soft coup." The accusations have highlighted growing divisions within Iran's political establishment during a period of leadership transition and heightened uncertainty.

The divisions were visible during ceremonies held in Tehran to commemorate the late Supreme Leader, where some mourners reportedly directed slogans at President Pezeshkian instead of paying tribute to Khamenei. According to reports, chants of "death to the compromiser" were heard as the president participated in the funeral procession. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who played a key role in negotiating the ceasefire and agreement with the United States, also reportedly faced hostility from protesters, with local media accounts describing incidents in which demonstrators accused him of betraying the country's interests.

Hardline groups argue that the agreement with Washington represents a departure from the policies long associated with the Islamic Republic's leadership. Critics contend that Iranian officials surrendered strategic leverage instead of responding forcefully following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The criticism has also focused on the limited public visibility of the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not made significant public appearances or directly addressed the nation since assuming the position. His absence has fuelled speculation among political observers, although no official explanation has been provided regarding his limited public role.

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Opposition to the agreement had been building even before the funeral ceremonies. According to media reports, members of the conservative Paydari (Endurance) Front, along with several hardline lawmakers and influential commentators, criticised the proposed arrangement with the United States during its negotiation phase. They argued that the deal failed to provide adequate guarantees on sanctions relief, compensation or sufficient protection of Iran's strategic interests, including issues relating to the Strait of Hormuz. These concerns have become central to the criticism now being directed at the government.

Among the outspoken critics is conservative lawmaker Kamran Ghazanfari, who reportedly dismissed official claims that Iran had emerged victorious from the negotiations. Hardline factions have questioned the government's characterisation of the agreement and accused senior officials of presenting an overly optimistic assessment of its outcomes. The public disagreement reflects broader ideological differences between reform-oriented figures seeking diplomatic engagement and conservative groups advocating a more confrontational foreign policy approach.

The latest developments underscore the increasingly complex political landscape in Iran as the country navigates a sensitive leadership transition and the implementation of its agreement with the United States. While the government maintains that diplomatic engagement serves the country's national interests, criticism from hardline factions has exposed significant internal divisions over the direction of Iranian policy. The coming weeks are expected to be closely watched for signs of how the country's leadership responds to mounting political pressure and whether the emerging tensions will influence domestic governance or future diplomatic efforts.

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