- Pezeshkian stated that the United States and Israel killed Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Feb. 28 out of “desperation,” expecting Iran to collapse after the “brutal” action.
- Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ali Khamenei, was selected as Iran’s new supreme leader by the country’s Assembly of Experts in early March.
- Pezeshkian said, “However, the country continued, and our (new) beloved leader was selected,” adding that the new leader’s presence is a “very great strength” despite communication difficulties.
- Pezeshkian maintained that despite his absence from the public eye, Mojtaba Khamenei continues to play an important role in Iran's retaliation.
- Pezeshkian's remarks came amid reports claiming that Khamenei has issued a "final ultimatum" to the president and has thrown his support behind Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander Ahmad Vahidi on key decisions regarding the negotiations and the conflict.
- Iran is facing its “most difficult” circumstances, including intensified banking sanctions, curbs on foreign transactions, a naval blockade, and an ongoing war, according to Pezeshkian.
- Israeli broadcaster Channel 14, citing sources familiar with developments in Tehran, reported that Khamenei has effectively stripped President Pezeshkian of his primary political leverage by refusing to discourage another resignation attempt; Pezeshkian had allegedly used the threat of resignation repeatedly and formally sought to resign in May, claiming his administration had been "entirely sidelined" from national security and foreign policy decisions.
- Channel 14 claimed that Khamenei's latest position signals full alignment with Iran's military establishment, leaving the president with limited room to influence strategic policymaking.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed that communication with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is currently "very difficult," amidst a backdrop of escalating conflict and sanctions. Pezeshkian noted that Iran is facing its "most difficult" circumstances, including intensified banking sanctions and a naval blockade.
Khamenei, who succeeded his father, the late Ali Khamenei, has not made public appearances since the US-Israeli strike that killed his predecessor. Despite his low profile, Pezeshkian insists that Khamenei's presence is a "great source of strength" for Iran's ongoing efforts in retaliation against perceived aggressors.
Pezeshkian's comments come amid speculation regarding a rift within Iran's leadership, with reports suggesting that Khamenei has issued a "final ultimatum" to the president, aligning closely with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on key decisions. This alignment reportedly limits Pezeshkian's influence over national security and foreign policy, as he has previously threatened resignation over being sidelined in these areas.
The president defended Khamenei, stating that he has had productive meetings with him, despite the challenges in communication. He criticized those who misrepresent Khamenei's leadership, asserting that the current situation allows for "malicious people" to distort his image.
As Iran navigates these turbulent times, the dynamics between Pezeshkian and Khamenei will be crucial in shaping the country's response to external pressures and internal governance challenges.
“Pezeshkian said the US and Israel killed former leader Ali Khamenei on Feb. 28 out of 'desperation,' but Iran continued and selected his son. Reports claim Khamenei has issued a 'final ultimatum' to the president and backs IRGC Commander Ahmad Vahidi on key decisions.”
