Iran Hardliners Criticize Negotiators as Iran-US Deal Debate Intensifies

Opposition to a potential Iran-U.S. agreement intensified in Tehran on Saturday, with hardline groups staging protests and conservative figures sharply criticizing the negotiating team. Demonstrators in the Iranian capital directed their anger at key figures associated with the talks, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, chanting slogans that questioned the negotiators' actions and accused them of compromising the country's principles.

Protesters also voiced doubts about whether the ongoing diplomatic efforts had the full backing of Iran's leadership. The absence of public comments from Mojtaba Khamenei regarding the negotiations led some demonstrators to suggest his silence indicated a lack of endorsement for the talks. Placards carried by protesters reflected this sentiment, questioning the direction of the negotiations.

Hardline lawmaker Seyed Mahmoud Nabavian echoed the criticism, reiterating his strong opposition to the proposed agreement. Nabavian stated he had reviewed the text of the potential deal and maintained that it would represent an "absolute loss" for Iran. He expressed readiness for a public debate on the agreement's contents, welcoming official responses that challenge his interpretation.

The lawmaker argued that the proposed terms fail to adequately protect Iran's interests and warned against making concessions in exchange for a deal. This wave of criticism highlights growing divisions within Iran's political establishment as negotiations with the United States appear to be nearing a potential agreement. Hardline factions are increasingly vocal about their concerns regarding the direction and specific terms of the ongoing diplomatic efforts.

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the agreement would represent an 'absolute loss' for Iran.