Iran Split As New US Deal Sparks Praise, Fury And Fresh Power Struggle

Iran Split As New US Deal Sparks Praise, Fury And Fresh Power Struggle

Iran's newly announced memorandum of understanding with the United States has triggered a fierce political debate inside the Islamic Republic, exposing divisions between hardliners, reformists and senior state officials over the future direction of the country.

While supporters have hailed the agreement as a diplomatic breakthrough, critics have condemned it as a dangerous concession to Washington.

Pezeshkian Hails Deal As Test For America

President Masoud Pezeshkian welcomed the agreement, describing it as a potentially historic opportunity if all sides honour their commitments.

Writing on X, he said the memorandum could become "a source of pride for the country" and revealed that an overwhelming majority of Iran's Supreme National Security Council had approved the framework.

According to Pezeshkian, the agreement will test whether the United States is genuinely prepared to respect Iran's rights and fulfil its promises.

Notably, Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has yet to publicly comment on the deal.

Top Officials Declare Diplomatic Victory

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who reportedly played a central role in negotiations, struck a triumphant tone.

He argued that Iran had resisted efforts to force the country into submission and had instead taken a major step toward what he called "final victory."

Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei also praised the outcome, describing it as evidence of Iran's "dignified and revolutionary diplomacy."

Markets React Positively

The announcement produced an immediate reaction across Iran's financial markets.

The value of foreign currencies, gold and digital assets fell following the news, while Tehran's stock exchange recorded gains when trading resumed.

Investors appeared to interpret the agreement as reducing the risk of further conflict and potentially paving the way for sanctions relief.

Hardliners Warn Of Dangerous Concessions

Despite the positive reaction from government officials, several hardline lawmakers voiced deep concerns.

Amirhossein Sabeti branded the agreement "hasty and weak," arguing it crossed red lines previously established by Iran's leadership.

He warned that the deal would neither improve Iran's economy nor strengthen national security.

Mahmoud Nabavian, another influential hardliner, demanded full transparency and called on officials to publish detailed information regarding sanctions relief, maritime restrictions, oil exports and frozen Iranian assets.

Internal Revolt Emerges Among Conservatives

The sharpest criticism came from figures linked to the hardline Paydari Front.

MP Hossein Samsami argued that negotiations with the United States should be used only to buy time for Iran to strengthen its military deterrent.

His comments triggered criticism even from fellow conservatives, who accused him of openly challenging the leadership's decisions.

The disagreement highlights growing fractures inside Iran's conservative camp over how to handle relations with Washington.

Trump's Birthday Sparks Controversy

Some hardliners also seized on the timing of the announcement.

Because news of the agreement emerged after midnight in Iran but while it was still June 14 in Washington, critics accused negotiators of effectively handing Donald Trump a birthday present.

Several conservative commentators argued the timing was politically humiliating and symbolically damaging for Iran.

Others claimed Trump had already gained significant propaganda value before any concrete benefits had been delivered to Tehran.

Reformists Welcome Historic Opportunity

Reformist figures offered a dramatically different assessment.

Former president Mohammad Khatami and former foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif both publicly backed the agreement, describing it as a courageous and necessary step.

Political analyst Ahmad Zeidabadi argued that the memorandum reflected a realistic balance of power rather than a victory or defeat for either side.

He warned that portraying the agreement as total surrender or total triumph could jeopardise future negotiations.

Iran Enters A New Political Era

Several moderate commentators suggested the agreement could mark a turning point in modern Iranian history.

One prominent columnist described the end of the conflict as the beginning of "a new Iran with a new leader, new circumstances, new experiences and a new world."

Whether the memorandum ultimately evolves into a lasting peace agreement remains uncertain.

What is already clear, however, is that the deal has opened a major political battle inside Iran itself — one that may prove almost as significant as the negotiations with Washington.

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