Infighting Reported Within Iran’s Leadership Over Islamic Republic’s Direction

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

LONDON/JERUSALEM/TEHRAN (Worthy News) – Tensions are reportedly rising within Iran’s leadership as President Masoud Pezeshkian clashes with senior figures in the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) over military operations and the country’s worsening economic crisis.

Sources cited by the opposition-leaning broadcaster Iran International say Pezeshkian has sharply criticized the military strategy pursued by IRGC commanders, including senior figure Ahmad Vahidi.

The president reportedly warned that continued attacks across the region risk further destabilizing Iran’s already fragile economy, which remains under pressure from sanctions and internal challenges.

The reported disagreements suggest growing friction between Iran’s elected leadership and the IRGC, a dominant force that wields significant influence over regional operations and internal security policy.

ECONOMIC WARNINGS AND MILITARY TENSIONS

Sources familiar with the discussions said Pezeshkian warned that “without a ceasefire, Iran’s economy could deteriorate rapidly,” potentially within weeks.

In a rare video message on March 7, the president appeared to acknowledge what he described as “fire at will” attacks by Iran’s armed forces on neighboring countries, for which he apologized while calling for an immediate halt.

However, military operations reportedly continued shortly afterward, raising questions about the civilian leadership’s influence over the country’s security apparatus.

The reported developments underscore broader tensions within Iran’s power structure, where authority over military and foreign policy has long been contested.

POWER STRUGGLE WITHIN IRAN’S SYSTEM

Pezeshkian has reportedly called for executive control over policy and implementation to return to the civilian administration, but that demand was rejected by IRGC leaders, including Vahidi, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Vahidi instead blamed the government “for failing to implement structural reforms” before the U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran began.

Analysts say the situation, if confirmed, underscores longstanding concerns that Iran’s elected officials have limited authority over the IRGC, often described as a state within a state.

The reported infighting comes at a time of mounting public discontent with Iran’s rulers following a deadly crackdown on anti-government protests earlier this year, in which thousands were reported killed, according to activists and human rights groups.

ECONOMIC CRISIS DEEPENS IN IRAN

As the conflict escalates, its economic impact is increasingly visible across Iran.

Iran International reported widespread disruptions to banking services, with cash machines in major cities either empty, out of service, or inaccessible. Online systems at state-run Bank Melli Iran have also faced intermittent outages.

Government employees told the outlet that salaries and benefits have been paid irregularly in recent months, adding to financial uncertainty for many households.

Even before the conflict began, inflation for basic goods had surged to more than 100 percent, highlighting the severe strain on the country’s economy.

Analysts warn that any confirmed divisions within Iran’s leadership could deepen the economic crisis, complicate decision-making, and potentially further destabilize the region.

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