Iran hardliners accuse leaders of 'soft coup' as US truce comes under fresh strain: Report
Hardline factions in Iran are accusing government leaders of a 'soft coup' following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The internal political tension is exacerbated by the absence of the new leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and public backlash against recent ceasefire negotiations.
Why it matters
Internal instability in Iran could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire with the U.S. and alter the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
Iran's most hardline political factions have accused senior government officials of staging a "soft coup" against the country's revolutionary leadership, deepening internal divisions as a fragile ceasefire with the United States comes under renewed pressure, according to an exclusive CNN report.The accusations have intensified following the funeral of late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, where President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly faced public hostility. According to CNN, mourners shouted "death to the compromiser" at Pezeshkian, while Araghchi was forced to flee after being pelted with rocks and branded a "traitorous sellout" over his role in negotiating a ceasefire and sanctions relief with Washington.The backlash reflects growing anger among Iran's ultra-hardline factions, who believe the country's leadership surrendered to the United States instead of avenging Khamenei's killing.
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