Khaberni - "The Wall Street Journal," quoting its sources, said "Divisions in the Iranian leadership are hindering negotiations with Washington and some leaders oppose the negotiating approach of the parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf."
The newspaper noted that the disagreements were evident in the first round of negotiations, making clear the deep divisions within the Iranian leadership regarding the extent of progress needed to reach an agreement with the Americans. This raises concerns for intermediaries who are striving hard to organize a second round of talks after the United States and Iran recently canceled a planned meeting amidst escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The newspaper pointed to "a fierce struggle between the new hardliners in the Revolutionary Guard and other forces in the political system, and senior officials more focused on reforming Iran's struggling economy."
The newspaper added: The hardline leaders in Iran are increasing pressure on their representatives to not make concessions and have launched an attack in local newspapers and social media against the senior Iranian negotiators, the Chairman of the Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Araghchi, for engaging in discussions on Iran's nuclear program in the first round of negotiations. Furthermore, deputy Mahmoud Nabavian, a member of the Iranian delegation in Pakistan, publicly criticized the way Ghalibaf led the discussions.
Insiders also stated that Ahmad Vahidi, commander of the Revolutionary Guard, also opposed making too many concessions. Analysts have pointed out that the disagreements within the Iranian government regarding the extent of concessions make it difficult for Iran to negotiate.
