Iran Leadership Crisis: Pezeshkian and Ghalibaf Seek Removal of FM Araghchi

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are seeking the removal of Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to reports citing sources familiar with the matter. The two leaders have accused the top diplomat of acting under the direction of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) leadership without informing the presidency.

The reported move follows allegations that Araghchi has functioned less as a cabinet minister implementing government policy and more as an aide to Ahmad Vahidi, the commander of the IRGC. Sources told Iran International that Araghchi coordinated closely with Vahidi and followed his directives during sensitive nuclear negotiations over the past two weeks without keeping President Pezeshkian informed.

The internal friction has reportedly caused deep dissatisfaction within the executive leadership. Pezeshkian has told close associates that he may dismiss Araghchi if the situation continues, as he feels undermined by the Foreign Minister’s shift toward military command during critical diplomatic maneuvers.

Power Struggle Within the Islamic Republic

The push to oust Araghchi is the latest sign of widening divisions between Iran’s political and military establishments. These tensions are rooted in disagreements over the management of the ongoing conflict and its subsequent economic fallout.

Reporting from March 28 indicated serious disputes between Pezeshkian and Vahidi regarding the handling of the war and its destructive consequences for people’s livelihoods and the country’s economy.

Further reports suggest that Pezeshkian has felt trapped in a complete political deadlock, claiming he has been stripped of the authority to appoint replacements for government officials killed during the war. Vahidi has reportedly asserted that sensitive managerial positions must be directly controlled by the IRGC due to the critical wartime situation.

Stalled Diplomacy and the U.S. Blockade

This leadership crisis arrives as Iran struggles to negotiate an end to the 2026 war with the United States. Diplomatic efforts have been characterized by conflicting signals and failed proposals.

On April 24, Araghchi traveled to Islamabad to deliver a proposal to the U.S. Via Pakistani mediators. That proposal was subsequently rejected by U.S. President Donald Trump. The rejected plan reportedly called for ending the war first and addressing nuclear weapons at a later stage.

President Trump has maintained a hardline stance, stating that there will never be a deal unless they agree that there will be no nuclear weapons. He has further signaled that the U.S. Naval blockade of Iranian ports will remain in place until Tehran agrees to a nuclear deal, describing the blockade as somewhat more effective than the bombing.

The diplomatic process has also seen internal shifts in the Iranian negotiating team. Speaker Ghalibaf previously led the delegation in Islamabad, but reportedly stepped back after facing criticism over attempts to include nuclear energy issues in the talks. Araghchi sought to assume a more prominent role following Ghalibaf’s departure, a move that now appears to have placed him at the center of the conflict between the presidency and the IRGC.

Economic Strain and Geopolitical Pressure

The political instability in Tehran is compounded by severe economic distress. Annual inflation in Iran has exceeded 70 percent, with food inflation reaching triple digits. Official data shows that bread and cereals have recorded year-on-year inflation of about 140 percent.

The U.S. Naval blockade has further pressured the economy, leading the Iranian oil minister to urge the public to cut consumption as a religious duty. Analysts have warned that Iran could run out of storage space for its oil within a matter of days.

As of Friday, May 1, 2026, the United States is awaiting a revised peace proposal from Tehran. While the U.S. And Iran agreed to a temporary ceasefire on April 8, mediated by Pakistan, the truce has been violated by both sides. Current negotiations are reportedly taking place telephonically, as President Trump indicated that the administration is no longer conducting long-distance flights to Islamabad for talks that have previously ended without a deal.