Iran Power Struggle Intensifies as President Defends Khamenei While Hardliner Alleges "Political Coup"

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed that his government follows the authority of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, insisting no negotiations with the United States would occur without his approval. At the same time, a hardline lawmaker has accused Pezeshkian's allies of attempting to shift power away from the supreme leader through the Supreme National Security Council, exposing growing tensions within Iran's ruling establishment.

President Reaffirms Loyalty to Supreme Leader

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his administration fully follows the direction of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, emphasizing that any contacts or negotiations with the United States would only occur with the supreme leader's approval.

Pezeshkian stated that if Mojtaba Khamenei had instructed officials not to pursue talks with Washington, no such discussions would have taken place. He also warned against portraying the Iranian government and the country's armed forces as separate or competing institutions.

Hardline Lawmaker Claims Power Shift Is Underway

Meanwhile, hardline Iranian lawmaker Kamran Ghazanfari accused officials close to President Pezeshkian of carrying out what he described as a "political coup" against the authority of the supreme leader.

"They are strengthening the Supreme National Security Council while diminishing the role of the supreme leader and parliament. Their goal is to make the council the sole decision-making body," Ghazanfari said in a video posted on X.

He claimed the effort is being implemented gradually and urged supporters of the Islamic Republic to remain vigilant against what he called a conspiracy.

Claims of Pressure on Pro-Regime Activities

Ghazanfari also alleged that significant financial resources are being used to discourage religious speakers and eulogists from participating in nightly public gatherings. He further claimed that the Basij militia had been instructed not to support those events and argued that parliament has effectively been sidelined for months to prevent lawmakers from challenging the reported changes.

The accusations have not been independently verified, but the public exchange highlights apparent divisions within Iran's leadership at a time of heightened internal and regional tensions.