Iran's Political Factions Use Supreme Leader's Authority Amid Power Struggle

Iran's political factions are increasingly referencing the authority of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to challenge opponents and secure their positions, as uncertainty lingers over his active governance, according to experts. Reports from Iran International highlight tensions involving Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who has allegedly threatened to resign, a claim made by cleric Mohammad-Bagher Kharrazi, a relative of the Khamenei family. Pezeshkian's office has denied these allegations, describing them as unfounded. The reports suggest that Pezeshkian met Khamenei only once in a limited capacity, contradicting Pezeshkian's previous account of a longer, cordial meeting. Kasra Aarabi from United Against Nuclear Iran noted that the conflicting narratives reflect deeper internal struggles within Iran's political landscape, where factions compete for power and economic interests rather than ideology. The absence of Mojtaba Khamenei in public life has led to speculation about his condition and has made his name a tool for various factions to justify their actions. Exiled journalist Mehdi Ghadimi described the situation as part of a recurring strategy among reformist administrations to generate public sympathy through resignation rumors. As Mojtaba Khamenei remains out of the public eye, questions about his status may intensify internal conflicts among rival factions.