Pezeshkian, Ghalibaf look to fire FM Araghchi over allegiance to IRGC commander - report

Reports from Iran International suggest a significant rift within the Iranian leadership, with President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf reportedly dissatisfied with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's diplomatic performance. The core of their alleged discontent lies in the belief that Araghchi has been overly deferential to IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi, effectively acting as Vahidi's subordinate rather than independently executing the government's foreign policy agenda. This dynamic, if true, points to a struggle for control over diplomatic strategy and the extent to which the IRGC influences the Foreign Ministry's actions.

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Pezeshkian and Ghalibaf believe Araghchi has been acting as little more than an assistant to Ahmad Vahidi, the commander of the IRGC, rather than a minister implementing government policy.

Sources cited by Iran International indicate that Araghchi may have been coordinating his actions and negotiations directly with Vahidi, bypassing Pezeshkian's oversight. This alleged lack of transparency and independent decision-making has reportedly led Pezeshkian to consider Araghchi's dismissal. The situation is further complicated by reports of serious disagreements between Pezeshkian and Vahidi that emerged just a month prior, highlighting ongoing tensions between the civilian government and the powerful IRGC.

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Araghchi has been acting without Pezeshkian’s oversight or knowledge while coordinating entirely with Vahidi and Vahidi’s directives.

The implications of these internal disputes appear to extend to Iran's international negotiations. Iran International's sources suggest that internal conflicts within the Iranian negotiating team were a primary reason for their withdrawal from recent talks with the United States. Specifically, Araghchi's perceived flexibility regarding financial and military support for the 'Axis of Resistance,' including Hezbollah, reportedly drew sharp criticism from hardliners like Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. This internal discord ultimately prevented the Iranian delegation from reaching an agreement, as noted by US Vice President JD Vance, who observed their need for approval from higher authorities in Tehran.

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if this continues, he will remove Araghchi from his position.