Iran Sees Hardliner Protests Against US Peace Deal, Araghchi Accused Of Concessions

Hardline political factions in Iran have staged protests against an anticipated diplomatic agreement with the United States, sharply criticising Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and accusing him of conceding too much in negotiations with Washington. The demonstrations, reported in Tehran and the northeastern city of Mashhad, reflect deepening internal divisions over Iran’s foreign policy direction and nuclear negotiations.

According to reports, protesters gathered outside foreign ministry offices and chanted slogans demanding the resignation of Araghchi, calling him an “intruder” and a “compromiser.” Some demonstrators accused him of undermining national interests, with videos shared by local media showing crowds chanting harsh criticism directed at the foreign minister and opposing the terms of the reported draft agreement.

The protests come amid growing concern among Iran’s hardline political establishment that the proposed US-Iran understanding could weaken Tehran’s strategic leverage, particularly over critical maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. Hardliners argue that any concessions in the agreement may reduce Iran’s regional influence and alter its long-standing deterrence posture.

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Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a televised statement, described the Strait of Hormuz as a key strategic asset for Iran and suggested that the emerging agreement could include provisions affecting maritime restrictions and sanctions, including the lifting of certain US naval-related embargoes on Iranian ports. His remarks have further fuelled debate within Iran’s political establishment over the scope and implications of the negotiations.

Hardline critics have also warned that elements of the draft deal go beyond what has been publicly disclosed, arguing that any agreement with Washington would require approval from Iran’s highest political authority. Some factions have reiterated that without the consent of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, no international deal can be considered valid or enforceable.

The backlash is part of a broader ideological struggle within Iran over nuclear policy and engagement with Western powers. Hardline voices have increasingly called for a more aggressive nuclear stance, including renewed debates over Iran’s commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The latest protests underscore the continuing tension between diplomatic engagement efforts and domestic political resistance within the country’s power structure.

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