World News : While Iran continues to face external pressure amid tensions with the United States and Israel, political divisions within the country appear to be intensifying. According to a CNN report, Iran’s hardline factions have accused President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and senior negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf of attempting a “soft coup” by consolidating power through political means rather than military action.
President Faces Public Protests
The report states that during the funeral ceremony of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a section of the crowd turned its anger toward President Pezeshkian, chanting slogans such as “Death to the compromiser.” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who has been involved in negotiations with the United States over a ceasefire and sanctions relief, was also reportedly confronted by protesters. According to CNN, some demonstrators threw stones and accused him of “betraying the country,” forcing security personnel to escort him away.
Why Are Hardliners Alleging a ‘Soft Coup’?
The controversy follows a memorandum of understanding (MoU) reached between Iran and the United States last month. Hardline groups claim that by signing the agreement, the government compromised the country’s revolutionary principles. They also accuse the administration of weakening Parliament’s role, ignoring the guidance of the new Supreme Leader during negotiations, and attempting to curb late-night political rallies that are considered a key source of hardliner influence.
Hardline lawmaker Mahmoud Nabavian questioned on social media whether Iran was witnessing a coup attempt and later declared that supporters would stand firmly against any such move.
Questions Over Mojtaba Khamenei’s Absence
Another issue fueling speculation is the prolonged public absence of Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new Supreme Leader. He has not made any public appearances or addressed the nation for an extended period. Some observers believe he has remained out of the public eye for security reasons, while others speculate that health concerns may be limiting his public role. None of these claims have been independently verified.
Open Threat Against the President
Criticism of the government went beyond political slogans. At a religious gathering, pro-government religious singer Mohammad Ali Bakhshi reportedly warned President Pezeshkian, saying, “If the Supreme Leader’s conditions are not met, the sword will be ours and your neck will be the target.” The remarks drew criticism, but the report said there has been no publicly known legal action against him.
Although political tensions and infighting have become increasingly visible within Iran, there is currently no independently verified evidence that a coup is underway. Analysts view the developments as a sign of growing power struggles between competing factions within the Iranian political establishment.
