Iranian hardliners in vociferous push to reject proposed peace deal with US

Hardliners in Iran are mounting a strong rejection of a proposed deal with the United States, with critics labeling it a "catastrophic capitulation." Backers of the agreement are defending its terms, countering accusations that it fails to guarantee sanctions relief, compensation, or control over the vital Strait of Hormuz.

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The fact that they say we won and America has retreated is a blatant lie.

Iranian MP Kamran Ghazanfari dismissed claims of a US retreat as "a blatant lie." Meysam Nili, managing director of Rajanews and brother-in-law of former president Ebrahim Raisi, urged citizens to protest the deal. These criticisms come as Iranian officials, including Mehdi Mohammadi, an adviser to the negotiating team's head Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, are attempting to rebut the negative framing.

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called the deal on the table a catastrophic capitulation. He urged Iranians not to sit quietly.

Mohammadi presented a detailed defense in an audio message, insisting the deal would end the war, including Israel's offensive in Lebanon. He stated Tehran has made no new commitments on its nuclear program, leaving the disposal of enriched uranium for future discussions. He also claimed the text allows Iran and Oman to charge passage fees through the Strait of Hormuz and would prevent Israeli commercial ships from using it.

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This time, it is not like we will shut down the nuclear programme and wait for them to lift the sanctions. There is no such wishful thinking. The strait is in our hands, we can close it anytime we want at an hour.

Mohammadi argued the proposed deal is superior to the 2015 nuclear pact, asserting Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz. He acknowledged that the release of half of Iran's frozen assets, approximately $12 billion, is not finalized, but stated Arab countries have pledged the funds, seeing Iran's regional power. Critics, however, are targeting Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, accusing them of concessions.

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We know that America will not give us money. The Arab countries have pledged this money and are forced to give it, because we are above them and they have seen our power in the region and have tasted our power.