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Iran is witnessing increasing internal conflicts within the regime as domestic issues and regional crises amplify pressure on its ruling factions. The clerical dictatorship, led by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, faces escalating power struggles, with various political factions clashing over key appointments and policy decisions.
On October 9, an influential member of parliament and a close ally of Khamenei, Hamid Rasaee, publicly criticized President Masoud Pezeshkian for his disregard of legal procedures in appointing former foreign minister Javad Zarif as his strategic deputy. Rasaee stated, “Mr. Pezeshkian violated the explicit law by appointing Mr. Zarif, whose son holds U.S. citizenship, as his deputy. Despite initial resignation, he was reinstated under pressure.” He further warned that 40 members of the National Security Commission had demanded an investigation, which could lead to the judiciary’s involvement. “I urge Mr. Pezeshkian to respect the law before the matter escalates and strains relations between the parliament and the government,” Rasaee added.
In a parallel attack, the state-run Ham-Mihan newspaper, aligned with the so-called “reformist” faction, lambasted Pezeshkian for his broken promises, branding him a liar. The newspaper wrote, “Pezeshkian claimed he would never lie. If he fulfills even this one promise, it will suffice for Iran’s politics. Yet lies take many forms, whether through irrelevant responses, incomplete statements, or simply avoiding the truth.”
Tensions have also been heightened by Tehran’s foreign policy blunders. Pezeshkian faced fierce criticism after suggesting during a U.S. trip that Iran would lay down its arms if Israel did the same. Mohammad Nakhee-Rad, another regime MP, attacked this statement, asserting that the command over military forces and declarations of war or peace fall under the authority of the Supreme Leader, not the president. He warned that such reckless remarks could embolden Iran’s enemies and harm the so-called “Resistance Front” that Iran claims to lead. Nakhee-Rad also decried the appointment of Zarif, arguing that allowing individuals with dual citizenship into sensitive positions violates Iran’s laws and erodes public trust.
Amid Escalating Domestic Crises in #Iran, Rival Factions Target #Pezeshkian’s Governmenthttps://t.co/klEZH4CR9Z
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) September 1, 2024
Further exposing the fractures within the regime, Saeed Jalili’s advisor and MP Amir Hossein Sabeti publicly accused Pezeshkian of hindering Iran’s response to the assassination of Hezbollah commander Hassan Nasrallah. This led Pezeshkian’s son, Youssef, to defend his father, stating, “Policies of war and peace are determined by the Supreme Leader, and Pezeshkian is loyal to his commands. Claims of disobedience are merely an extension of Israeli propaganda.”
Adding fuel to the fire, MP Ahmad Rastineh criticized the appointment of Zarif as strategic deputy, stating, “Dr. Pezeshkian’s appointment of Dr. Zarif violates Article 2 of the law regulating appointments to sensitive positions. Those with dual citizenship or connections to foreign powers are barred from such roles. The president should take action before parliamentary oversight mechanisms are triggered.”
The regime’s internal strife is compounded by growing scandals, such as the multi-billion-euro corruption case involving Tehran’s mayor, Alireza Zakani, which has reached the Supreme Leader’s office. Reports from the state-controlled Etelaat newspaper on October 9 indicated that Zakani had filed a 10-page complaint to Khamenei’s office regarding the country’s General Inspection Organization. The response, a 30-page rebuttal, reflects the severity of the ongoing corruption investigations involving regime officials.
In an attempt to placate rival factions, Pezeshkian has been making controversial appointments. On October 9, state media announced the appointment of three new governors in Khorasan, Fars, and Yazd. Notably, the new governors of Fars and Yazd are linked to the hardline conservative faction, reflecting Khamenei’s strategy to maintain a balance between competing groups. For instance, Hossein-Ali Amiri, appointed as the governor of Fars, is a known conservative with a history of serving on the Guardian Council, while Mohammad Reza Babaei, the new governor of Yazd, is an outspoken critic of former President Hassan Rouhani and a staunch supporter of ex-president Ebrahim Raisi.
Power Struggle Intensifies in #Iran as Rival Factions Slam #Pezeshkian’s Governmenthttps://t.co/j6FF8DT5LL
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) September 12, 2024
On the regional front, the regime’s propaganda machine continues to push its warmongering agenda. On October 7, Pezeshkian’s Minister of Education, Alireza Kazemi, referred to students as the “soldiers of the fight against global arrogance” during an international solidarity event for Palestinian children. He added, “We must instill the values of martyrdom in our youth, who will continue to stand against global oppression.”
As these domestic and regional crises deepen, it is clear that the regime’s infighting is growing more intense. While Khamenei tries to maintain control by balancing rival factions, his regime’s ongoing support for terrorism, extremist militias, and corruption only worsens Iran’s standing both domestically and internationally. The clerical dictatorship’s refusal to retreat from its malign agenda, or even temporarily address the needs of the Iranian people, has fueled greater instability. Rival factions now compete for power and influence within a regime founded on repression, deceit, and violence.