Iran hardliners protest US deal, fearing 'US colony' status

Hardline factions in Iran are staging protests against a looming peace agreement with the United States, expressing fears that the deal could effectively turn the country into an "American colony." The demonstrations, held in Tehran and Mashhad, signal a surfacing of internal divisions between Iranian moderates who favor engagement with the US and hardliners who oppose it.

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It's like saying Iran will become a US colony.

Protesters specifically targeted negotiators, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, with chants like "Death to Araghchi" and "Araghchi should be ashamed." They accused Araghchi of being a "disgraceful compromiser and invader" colluding with the US. Hardliners argue that Iran has made excessive concessions in the negotiations and that any agreement would be invalid without the approval of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

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Death to Araghchi

Hardline lawmaker Seyed Mahmoud Nabavian criticized the proposed agreement, stating it would mean "Iran becoming a US colony." These protests underscore the escalating internal conflict as the government pursues sanctions relief from the US, while hardliners vehemently oppose any improvement in relations. The situation is further complicated by Iran's plan to hold a funeral for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on July 4, the 250th anniversary of American Independence.

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Araghchi should be ashamed

Former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei died in a US airstrike on February 28. His funeral procession is scheduled to take place in Tehran and Qom from July 6-7, followed by his burial in Mashhad on July 9. The funeral, initially planned for March, was postponed due to the prolonged Iran-US conflict. The timing of these events raises the stakes for the potential peace agreement, with hardline opposition potentially jeopardizing its smooth implementation.

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What about the blood shed by the Supreme Leader?