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Deepening economic turmoil and a freefalling currency have intensified infighting within the Iranian regime, as parliamentary members clash over the government’s handling of the financial crisis. Amid soaring inflation, rising public discontent, and a dollar exchange rate exceeding 92,000 tomans, tensions erupted in an extraordinary session of the regime’s parliament on February 18, exposing deep fractures within the ruling elite.
The session, originally called to address currency fluctuations and economic hardships, quickly devolved into accusations and power struggles between rival factions. Lawmaker Ahmad Naderi, a member of the parliament’s presidium, announced that 91 MPs had signed a motion to impeach Economy Minister Abdolnaser Hemmati. The impeachment hearing is set for Sunday, March 2.
However, instead of open debate, MPs held a closed-door session with the regime’s president, ministers, and economic advisors, sparking outrage among extremist MPs. Ali Shirinzad, a lawmaker critical of the backroom dealings, denounced the secrecy: “This session was held without coordination with representatives, while the people expect us to impeach the economy minister. Such actions undermine public trust and weaken parliament’s authority.”
Zarif's Davos Remarks Ignite Infighting Within #Iran's Regime Over US Negotiationshttps://t.co/zyfEGr3lKu
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) January 26, 2025
Another MP, Hamidreza Haji-Babaei, emphasized that Hemmati has 10 days to defend himself, but critics are demanding more drastic action. Member of the Paydari Front and an influential MP Hamid Rasaee took the rhetoric even further, calling for Hemmati’s trial instead of impeachment: “Do not impeach Hemmati—put him on trial! This is the only way to face history and stand honorably before the people!”
MPs also attacked Masoud Pezeshkian’s economic team, blaming them for the rapid devaluation of the toman and soaring food and commodity prices. Lawmaker Ahad Biouteh blasted Hemmati for his failed policies: “You claimed raising the NIMA exchange rate would lower the free market dollar rate, but instead, you broke the record for the fastest currency collapse! In just three months, gold and foreign exchange prices have risen by over 50%!”
As Iran’s economic disaster deepens, public anger is reaching a boiling point. Reports indicate widespread medicine shortages, with MP Mohammad Jamalian revealing that 350 to 450 essential drugs are now scarce due to government mismanagement. Pharmacies and hospitals have been threatening to stop providing services since March 1, which he warned could trigger a national security crisis.
#Iran’s Clerical Regime Engulfed in Infighting Amid #Economic Collapse and Public Discontenthttps://t.co/i19E18Q8x6
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) January 7, 2025
Factions affiliated with the regime’s Supreme Leader in parliament also intensified attacks on the rival factions, including presidential deputy Javad Zarif and former Vice President Masoud Aref, accusing them of being dual citizens and colluding with the West. MP Mohammad Nikbin took aim at Pezeshkian himself, suggesting his administration is too accommodating toward pro-Western politicians: “Mr. Pezeshkian, remove the Trump-lovers and America-worshippers from your administration!”
While the parliament descends into chaos, the Iranian public is struggling with the highest inflation rates in decades, unprecedented devaluation, and food insecurity. Despite these crises, the regime continues to prioritize military aggression over economic relief.
Even as Iran teeters on economic collapse, the regime is ramping up its belligerent rhetoric on the international stage. On February 17, IRGC Deputy Commander Ali Fadavi warned that “True Promise III”—a reference to the regime’s missile strike at Israel—will be carried out at the right time. Meanwhile, notorious hardline operative Hossein Allahkaram claimed Iran’s missiles and drones are capable of striking the United States, suggesting that previous “True Promise” operations could be repeated against America.
As tensions boil and pressure mounts, the regime’s infighting intensifies, and its belligerent rhetoric grows louder. Its escalating foreign threats reflect desperation rather than strength, as it scrambles to contain both internal turmoil and external challenges.