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The past few days have seen a surge in internal, regional, and international crises exacerbating the infighting among rival factions within Iran’s ruling regime. Disputes over negotiations with the United States, the looming threat of popular uprisings fueled by economic distress, and struggles for political dominance have intensified tensions to unprecedented levels. The faction known as the Paydari Front, led by Saeed Jalili—who stands as the primary rival to the regime’s president Masoud Pezeshkian and holds a foothold in the Iranian parliament—has openly escalated its opposition. Demonstrations have erupted in the streets, demanding accountability from the heads of the three branches of government. This faction has repeatedly attempted to oust Mohammad Javad Zarif, the regime’s emissary tasked by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei with reaching out to the West to buy time and ease mounting international pressures.
Despite an emergency meeting among the heads of Iran’s three branches of government—an attempt to showcase unity—the divisions within the regime have become increasingly evident.
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The Fragmented Three Branches
During the meeting that took place on February 3, Pezeshkian acknowledged the regime’s vulnerabilities: “Outside Iran, they believe we are at our weakest, that this is the perfect time to strike. They seek to create division among our people, hoping that protests will escalate and that they can take control.”
He further warned: “Certain groups must be vigilant, as the enemy is looking to exploit legitimate grievances. If people take to the streets with valid concerns, others will hijack their cause and incite chaos.”
The regime’s Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei also admitted to the internal power struggles, downplaying Pezeshkian’s calls for unity: “Even if we constantly repeat ‘we must have consensus,’ it will not materialize unless we develop a shared understanding of the country’s main issues.”
His remarks also reflected deep-seated fears within the regime: “If we, as officials of this system, cause the people to lose faith in the effectiveness of Islamic governance, we bear a tremendous responsibility. If the youth and those who looked to Iran’s Islamic Republic as a model become disillusioned, we will be accountable.”
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During the same meeting, Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf addressed the urgent economic crisis gripping Iran, indirectly criticizing Pezeshkian’s administration: “While statistics may show a reduction in inflation from 40% to 30%, or that liquidity has decreased, these numbers mean little if we ask the people directly. They do not feel any improvement in their daily lives. Society cannot bear further economic strain; we must take action.”
He also warned against the growing divisions within the regime: “The enemy’s primary objective is to create polarization. Disagreements may exist, but at the end of the day, we must align with the Supreme Leader’s directives.”
Khamenei’s Diminishing Role
Khamenei’s weakening grip is becoming increasingly apparent. Despite repeated warnings from the Supreme Leader, his directives are largely ignored, as competing factions pursue their own agendas. This disarray is stoking fears among Iran’s ruling elite that the regime’s downfall is imminent.
Beyond the street protests and official warnings, the Iranian press has also shed light on the internal fractures. Prominent regime-affiliated journalist Mohammad Mohajeri criticized the radical elements within the Paydari Front, stating: “The so-called ‘sanctions profiteers’ are a shadowy force operating behind the scenes. These are not just a few loud demonstrators or MPs shouting in parliament. Figures like Gholamreza Mesbahi-Moghaddam and Alireza Zakani are merely pawns in a larger game. The true orchestrators are manipulating the situation to sow chaos.”
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State-run newspaper Ham-Mihan echoed similar concerns in its February 4 issue: “The joint meeting of the three branches of government, ministers, parliamentary leaders, and judiciary officials under the banner of ‘solidarity for the Iranian people’ was supposed to be significant. However, it appears to have yielded little, as discussions remained vague and filled with generic rhetoric.”
Meanwhile, the Vatan-e Emrooz newspaper rejected claims that Pezeshkian’s government had Supreme Leader Khamenei’s full backing. The newspaper highlighted statements from Mehdi Fazaeli, a key figure in Khamenei’s office, refuting Pezeshkian’s assertion that his cabinet selections were approved by Khamenei. The article stated: “The claim that the Supreme Leader was involved in the selection of Pezeshkian’s cabinet members was a key factor in their confirmation. Yet, repeated denials from Khamenei’s office indicate that Pezeshkian and his allies have been fabricating legitimacy for their administration.”
Regime’s Fate: Intensifying Conflict or Imminent Collapse?
The accelerating internal power struggle within Iran’s leadership, coupled with the regime’s economic failures and intensifying external pressures, signals deepening instability. Every faction seeks to leverage the crisis for its own benefit, yet the overarching reality remains: the regime is losing control.
While extremist factions attempt to monopolize power and revisionist “moderates” struggle to maintain legitimacy, the broader Iranian population sees these conflicts for what they truly are—battles among corrupt elites trying to salvage their grip on power. But as economic hardship mounts and discontent spreads, the Iranian people are increasingly looking beyond factional disputes toward the complete dismantling of the regime.