As Iran’s regime faces escalating economic turmoil, international pressure, and rising public anger, its rival factions are in disarray, issuing contradictory statements and engaging in bitter disputes. From contradictory positions on nuclear negotiations to paralyzing internal clashes in parliament, the regime’s confusion underscores its growing inability to manage crises that threaten its survival.
To Negotiate or Not?
The Iranian regime’s mission at the UN suggested that discussions over Tehran’s nuclear program could be “reviewed” if the goal is to “address concerns over potential military dimensions.” Yet, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi vehemently rejected such talks, declaring, “There is no such thing as potential militarization of our program, and we will never negotiate under pressure and intimidation. Such discussions are not even subject to review, no matter the topic.”
Iran’s state media has struggled to reconcile these conflicting stances. The regime’s state broadcaster reiterated that “Iran will not negotiate under coercion”, amplifying Araghchi’s remarks while avoiding any mention of the contradictory stance taken at the UN. This dissonance signals internal disputes over how to handle mounting international pressure, especially as economic sanctions continue to squeeze the regime’s finances.
Judiciary Chief Lashes Out Over Calls for Negotiations
Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, an enforcer of the regime’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s directives, blasted those who advocate for diplomacy, declaring: “It is astonishing that individuals claiming to have political awareness still recommend negotiations with the U.S., despite witnessing its bullying tactics firsthand!” He insisted that Iran’s economic crisis could be solved only through “domestic resources,” ignoring the regime’s entrenched corruption and mismanagement.
At the same time, Ejei was forced to acknowledge secrecy and cover-ups in major financial scandals, including the Debsh Tea embezzlement case, stating that some corruption cases were intentionally hidden from public view for ‘expediency reasons’. His remarks reveal an increasingly desperate attempt to shield the regime’s financial misconduct while deflecting blame for Iran’s economic collapse.
Parliament’s Infighting Exposes Economic Paralysis
In parliament, the crisis over economic mismanagement has led to open warfare among regime insiders. Lawmakers furiously attacked Masoud Pezeshkian’s government, particularly after the dismissal of Abdolnaser Hemmati (Economy Minister) and Mohammad-Javad Zarif (presidential deputy on Strategic Affairs). The Labor Minister, Ahmad Meidari, narrowly avoided dismissal after receiving a parliamentary warning vote.
Meanwhile, many state officials are trading accusations of incompetence, corruption, and even betrayal, exposing the regime’s internal fractures.
On March 11, MP Mehrdad Lahouti slammed the government’s handling of the potato market on state TV, revealing that Iran had exported 15,000 tons of potatoes only to re-import 30,000 tons, calling it a ‘catastrophic failure’ in economic planning.
On the same day, Mostafa Nakhee warned that Iran is experiencing severe price increases, not just due to profiteering but because of unexplained government-sanctioned hikes. ‘We are seeing goods become more expensive multiple times a year—who is deciding these absurd price changes?’
MP Mohammad-Javad Asgari demanded judicial action against negligent ministers, warning: ‘If we do not address ministerial negligence, we are complicit in their crimes against the people.”
Meanwhile, MPs clashed over political appointments, with accusations that Pezeshkian had appointed officials with ties to past uprisings against Khamenei. Kamran Ghazanfari denounced the Labor Ministry’s top appointee, claiming he had once referred to Khamenei as a “dictator” and participated in the 2009 protests.
A Regime Without Direction
The contradictions in nuclear policy, the parliament’s internal power struggles, and the desperate attempts to suppress corruption scandals all point to a regime that is losing its grip on power.
With the economy spiraling further into crisis, inflation skyrocketing, and public resentment deepening, Iran’s ruling elite no longer has no unified strategy to contain the growing rebellion within its own ranks. The regime is not only failing to govern—it is turning against itself, with its factions fighting over the sinking ship.
As Iran’s crises deepen, the only certainty is that Khamenei’s regime is fracturing under the weight of its own failures—and neither its hardliners nor its so-called moderates have a way out.