Iran is facing growing political unrest at home even as tensions with the United States continue to escalate. While the US has reportedly intensified strikes around the Strait of Hormuz and Iran has targeted American military bases in neighbouring Gulf countries, the Iranian leadership is now confronting increasing pressure from hardline factions within the country.
According to reports, hardliners have threatened to overthrow the government, accusing it of failing to respond strongly enough to the recent conflict with the US.
Hardliners accuse government of surrendering to the US
The criticism has intensified against President Masoud Pezeshkian following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Hardline groups believe Iran should have chosen retaliation instead of pursuing any form of compromise.
They have accused the government of ‘bowing before the United States’ rather than taking revenge for Khamenei’s death.
Protests erupt during Khamenei’s funeral
Reports suggest that public anger was visible during Khamenei’s funeral procession. Although thousands gathered to pay their respects, a section of the crowd reportedly raised slogans against President Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
According to the reports, Araghchi was standing near Khamenei’s coffin when stones were allegedly thrown at him, forcing him to leave the area. Protesters reportedly called him a ‘traitor’ and accused him of selling out Iran’s interests.
President Pezeshkian also faced protests during the funeral, with demonstrators accusing him of adopting a conciliatory approach instead of seeking revenge.
Questions over Mojtaba Khamenei’s absence
Amid the political turmoil, the continued absence of Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, from public view has sparked further speculation.
His lack of public appearances has led to questions about whether he is capable of leading the country or whether people around him have effectively taken control of the government.
Hardliners allege coup plot
According to reports, hardline leaders have claimed that Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and his allies have gained greater influence in Mojtaba Khamenei’s absence.
They allege that Ghalibaf and President Pezeshkian are involved in a conspiracy to sideline Mojtaba Khamenei and seize control of the country’s leadership.
Iranian hardline MP Mahmoud Nabavian has also expressed concerns about a possible coup through social media posts. Hardliners further claim that Parliament is being ignored and that revolutionary institutions are being weakened.
Meanwhile, Iranian security-linked figure Ali Bakhshi reportedly warned President Pezeshkian that if Iran fails to retaliate against the United States, he would face severe consequences, saying that ‘our sword will be at the President’s throat.’
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First published on: Jul 19, 2026 08:31 AM IST
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