Iran Leadership Reportedly Plans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s Removal

Araghchi Accused Of Bypassing Iran Presidency

According to Iran International, the president and speaker claim that Araghchi acted behind their backs in negotiating with Washington over nuclear talks, by implementing directives from the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC).

Pezeshkian and Ghalibaf claim that Araghchi deliberately circumvented the presidency for the last two weeks, acting more like an aide, rather than a government minister, for the IRGC's head, Ahmad Vahidi. According to sources Araghchi has been executing orders from Vahidi without informing Pezeshkian, who allegedly plans to sack him if the latter continues. There is no official comment from the Iranian authorities, so far.

Pezeshkian Raises Wartime Governance Concerns

This sort of rift in Iran's administration is not new. Reports from March 28 clearly indicate that Pezeshkian and Vahidi were having sharp disagreements on war management and the ensuing socio-economic fallouts of the latter. According to the sources Pezeshkian expressed increasing dissatisfaction over "a complete political deadlock" and the loss of control over key positions in government during wartime.

According to those sources, Vahidi stated that owing to the sensitive circumstances, key managerial positions were to be managed directly by the Revolutionary Guard until further notice.

Ghalibaf Quits Negotiation Team Amid Disputes

Exacerbating the issues, Iran International claims that the Parliament Speaker, Ghalibaf, stepped down as chief of the negotiations team following a rebuff for including nuclear energy in the talks. It was after Ghalibaf relinquished his post as chief of the team that Araghchi purportedly tried to step up as the negotiations chief.

Araghchi later travelled on his own to Islamabad on April 24 to convey Tehran's proposal to Pakistan officials. As per media sources, the US President rejected the proposal. Although there has been no official confirmation over attempts to dismiss Araghchi, the disputes reportedly point to escalating leadership struggle within the administration during sensitive geopolitical times coupled with frozen talks with the US.