- Khamenei issued a 'final ultimatum' to President Pezeshkian and backed IRGC Commander Ahmad Vahidi on key decisions, amid fresh political turmoil in Iran.
- Pezeshkian sought to resign in May, claiming his administration had been 'entirely sidelined' from national security and foreign policy decisions.
- Trump warned of a 'last chance' for diplomacy with Iran after Washington paused a planned military strike at the request of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.
- IRGC Commander Ahmad Vahidi has gained significant influence, with Khamenei reportedly granting him the final say on major decisions related to the United States.
- Tehran's approach towards the US has hardened, with Vahidi's stance becoming the regime's official policy.
Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei has issued a "final ultimatum" to President Pezeshkian, signaling a significant shift in the political landscape amid rising tensions with the US.
Reports indicate that Khamenei's support for IRGC Commander Ahmad Vahidi has effectively sidelined Pezeshkian, stripping him of key political leverage.5
According to Israeli broadcaster Channel 14, Khamenei's actions reflect a consolidation of power within the military establishment, leaving the president with limited influence over national security and foreign policy decisions. "Differences between Iran's political leadership and the IRGC have largely diminished," the report states, with Vahidi now having the final say on major decisions regarding the United States.
The political turmoil comes as Iran navigates a complex diplomatic landscape, with ongoing indirect communications between Tehran and Washington. US President Donald Trump has warned of a "last chance" for an agreement, indicating that military options remain on the table. Trump emphasized that negotiations were underway at Iran's request, backed by regional allies including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
As tensions escalate over the regional conflict and tit-for-tat strikes with the US, the Iranian leadership appears to be adopting a harder line, with Vahidi's approach becoming the regime's official policy. "This is a last chance. This is not something that if it doesn’t happen, this is a last chance for them to sign a good document," Trump stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
“Israeli broadcaster Channel 14 reports Pezeshkian sought to resign in May, saying his administration had been “entirely sidelined” from national security and foreign policy decisions. Trump calls diplomacy a “last chance” after Washington paused a planned strike on Iran at the request of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar.”
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