Who's Calling The Shots In Iran? Why Hardliners Want Ghalibaf Out Over US Peace Talks

Last Updated:April 21, 2026, 21:27 IST

Iran’s political establishment appears split between hardliners and a more pragmatic camp over how to deal with the US.

Uncertainty continues to surround the next round of US-Iran peace talks expected in Islamabad, with Tehran yet to confirm its participation even as tensions remain high and a fragile ceasefire nears its expiry on Wednesday.

While Washington has signalled readiness to resume negotiations, Iranian officials have accused the United States of violating the truce, further complicating diplomatic efforts.

At the centre of this uncertainty lies a deepening power struggle within Iran’s leadership, exposing divisions over whether to pursue negotiations or continue confrontation.

Power Struggle At Top

Iran’s political establishment appears split between hardliners and a more pragmatic camp over how to deal with the US. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led Tehran’s delegation in earlier talks, has emerged as a key advocate for diplomacy.

However, his position has drawn sharp criticism from hardline figures such as Saeed Jalili and Amirhossein Sabeti, who oppose any engagement with Washington. Ghalibaf has reportedly described such figures as “extremist militia-like actors" who risk harming the country, Iran International reported.

The divisions have intensified in recent days, with rival factions using media platforms and political networks to push their positions.

Hardliners Push Back

A powerful section within Iran’s security establishment, including elements of the Revolutionary Guard, is firmly against negotiations. This group believes continued pressure and conflict could strengthen Iran’s position and extract greater concessions from the US.

Hardline voices have accused Ghalibaf of showing weakness and even “betrayal". Social media posts linked to these circles have warned against compromise, with some calling for intervention to stop what they see as dangerous concessions.

The report further stated that Ghalibaf himself fears being removed from his position, amid growing pressure from within the system.

ALSO READ: Trump Says US Militarily Ready To Move Against Iran, Signals No Ceasefire Extension

Diplomacy vs Confrontation

On the other side is a more pragmatic bloc that includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and President Masoud Pezeshkian. This camp argues that diplomacy is necessary to manage the economic and military costs of the conflict.

Ghalibaf has framed negotiations not as surrender but as a strategic extension of the battlefield, aimed at turning military leverage into political gains. He has also cautioned against overestimating Iran’s position, noting US military strength.

Supporters of this approach say the country faces mounting economic pressure and cannot afford prolonged instability.

Talks In Limbo

Despite preparations in Islamabad, Iran has not confirmed whether it will attend the next round of talks. State media has said no delegation has yet departed, linking participation to changes in US behaviour.

In a fresh update on Tuesday, Iranian state television said that no Iranian team had yet departed for talks with the US in Pakistan.

“So far, no delegation from Iran has departed for Islamabad, Pakistan; whether it is the main or subsidiary delegation, primary or secondary," state TV said, dismissing reports suggesting otherwise.

The state television quoted unnamed Iranian officials as saying that taking part of the negotiations “depends on the change in the behaviour and positions of the Americans."

(With inputs from agencies)

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