Iran’s anti-negotiation hardliners turn against President Pezeshkian

Iran’s hardline Front of Islamic Revolution Stability, also known as the Paydari Front, has urged parliament and the Supreme National Security Council to begin withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, a move interpreted as a call to develop nuclear weapons “as quickly as possible.” The demand comes as the threat of renewed war with the United States looms, following the US-Israeli war on Iran that began on February 28. The conflict has intensified a power struggle between President Masoud Pezeshkian, who favours talks and a swift end to the war to address Iran’s economic crisis, and hardliners who believe the conflict should continue until Washington gives in to Iran’s demands. Nightly rallies by hardline supporters in major Iranian cities, held for 200 days, have evolved into highly organised political events.