Iranian Factions Clash Over War Strategy as Supreme Leader Khamenei Remains Out of Sight

In Tehran, political groups are visibly at odds regarding the course of the ongoing conflict, with hardliners demanding the resignation of President Masoud Pezeshkian and opposing negotiations with the US. This discord has escalated during the absence of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly since taking office in March. President Pezeshkian mentioned in a state television interview that he has struggled to contact Khamenei, leading to speculation about his situation. Nonetheless, he revealed that they had a 'very good' meeting recently that lasted 'seven or eight hours,' where they addressed Iran's deteriorating living conditions and Khamenei's focus on 'unity and cohesion.' Khamenei was injured in the February 28 Israeli airstrike that also claimed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, marking the onset of the US-Israel war on Iran. While Pezeshkian claimed the supreme leader is in 'perfect health,' Khamenei's absence has intensified factional rivalries.