As Iran continues to fight back against the United States and Israel in the ongoing war, a rift has erupted in the Iranian regime. According to a report by Iran International, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) chief commander Ahmad Vahidi have serious disagreements over how to manage the war and its repercussions on the people’s livelihoods and the economy.
The report, citing sources familiar with the matter, claimed that Pezeshkian has criticised the approach of the IRGC regarding escalating tensions and continuing attacks on neighbouring countries.
Pezeshkian has warned about the economic ramifications, stressing the need for a ceasefire, without which, he claimed, the Iranian economy will collapse within three weeks or a month.
Pezeshkian demands return of power, IRGC rejects
The report also suggested that Pezeshkian has called for executive and managerial powers to be returned to the administration. But Ahmad Vahidi firmly rejected the demand.
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Hitting back, Vahidi has accused the government of failing to implement the structural reforms before the conflict started.
Similar reports of a rift between the Iranian government and the IRGC have also been reported by the Israeli media. In its report, The Times of Israel has cited a senior Israeli official, saying, "There are signs of cracks in the Iranian regime. We are now creating conditions for its overthrow, but ultimately everything depends on the Iranian people."
Pezeshkian's apology and attacks thereafter
The report comes three weeks after Pezeshkian had released a video message apologising for the attacks on the Gulf neighbours, stating that Iran will halt them.
However, the unexpected big announcement came with a warning that the strikes will not be launched unless an attack on Iran originates from those countries.
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"I must apologise on my own behalf and on behalf of Iran to the neighbouring countries that were attacked by Iran. The interim leadership council agreed yesterday that no more attacks will be made on neighbouring countries and no missiles will be fired unless an attack on Iran originates from those countries," Pezeshkian was quoted by Iranian state TV.
Despite the President's assurance, the attacks had continued, and within hours, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, Iran's judiciary chief and a hardliner, asserted that Iran would continue targeting its neighbours in West Asia who allegedly aid its enemies (US and Israel).