Six months into the war between Iran and the United States, divisions within Iran's leadership are growing over whether Tehran should pursue negotiations or continue resisting US pressure. President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are among those supporting an agreement with Washington, arguing that economic difficulties, damage to infrastructure and a US naval blockade have made ending the conflict increasingly important.

Pezeshkian has argued that Iran should seek to end the war while it can still negotiate from a position of strength. Supporters of talks believe an agreement with the United States could ease economic pressure and reduce Iran's international isolation. Their position reflects concerns over the impact of the prolonged conflict on the country's economy and the ability of the government to manage worsening domestic pressures.

Hardliners, however, remain strongly opposed to negotiations with Washington. They argue that the United States cannot be trusted, pointing to the 2015 nuclear agreement and Trump's later withdrawal from the deal. They also cite US military actions during periods when diplomatic efforts were underway as evidence that concessions would not guarantee lasting security. Hardline voices believe Iran can continue resisting through its missiles, drones and regional alliances.

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The divide has also led to criticism of politicians advocating negotiations. Hardline lawmaker Kamran Ghazanfari accused supporters of talks of trying to persuade Iranians to accept what he described as a humiliating peace. Hardliners argue that repeated concessions would only encourage Washington to demand further compromises and insist that Iran should maintain its resistance rather than accept terms imposed under pressure.

US President Donald Trump's own statements have added uncertainty to the situation. While Trump has at times spoken about wanting Iran to become stronger, he has also issued threats against Tehran. Analysts believe the conflicting messages have reinforced suspicion among Iranian hardliners, making it more difficult for advocates of negotiations to build consensus within the country's political establishment.

Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has so far remained largely outside the public dispute over whether Iran should negotiate with Washington. His position could prove decisive because openly supporting talks could alienate hardliners, while firmly rejecting negotiations could limit Tehran's options for ending the conflict. The internal debate therefore remains closely tied to Iran's broader struggle over how to balance resistance against the economic and strategic costs of continuing the war.

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