Key facts
- Iranian hardliners are vociferously rejecting a proposed peace deal with the US.
- Critics claim the deal fails to secure sanctions relief, compensation, or control of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Supporters argue the deal will end the war, including Israel's offensive in Lebanon, without new nuclear commitments.
- The proposed deal reportedly allows Iran and Oman to charge passage fees through the Strait of Hormuz.
- A portion of Iran's frozen assets, around $12 billion, is subject to ongoing negotiations, with Arab countries reportedly pledging funds.
- Hardline factions within parliament and media outlets are leading the opposition.
Iranian hardliners have launched a strong campaign to reject a proposed peace deal with the United States, leading to internal regime divisions. Critics, including members of parliament and influential media figures, argue that the deal does not adequately address sanctions relief, compensation for damages, or Iran's control over the vital Strait of Hormuz.
MP Kamran Ghazanfari dismissed claims that Iran has won and the US has retreated as falsehoods. Meysam Nili, managing director of Rajanews and brother-in-law of former president Ebrahim Raisi, labeled the proposed agreement a "catastrophic capitulation" and urged public opposition. Protests have occurred outside the foreign ministry, with critics using the hashtag "we will not accept."
In response, Iranian officials, led by Mehdi Mohammadi, an adviser to the head of the negotiating team Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, have defended the deal. Mohammadi insisted in an audio message that the agreement would end the war, including Israel's offensive in Lebanon, and that Iran has not been required to make new commitments regarding its nuclear program. He stated that the disposal of highly enriched uranium, including down-blending within Iran, would be subject to future discussions lasting 60 days.
Mohammadi also claimed that the deal's reference to "Iranian arrangements" would permit Iran and Oman to levy fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz and would prevent Israeli commercial ships from using the waterway. He asserted that the US had fought to exclude this phrase and had agreed to lift primary sanctions in the deal's second phase. He contrasted this proposed deal favorably with the 2015 nuclear pact, emphasizing Iran's retained control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Regarding frozen assets, Mohammadi acknowledged that the release of half of Iran's foreign-held funds, estimated at $12 billion, had not been finalized, but stated that Arab countries have pledged the money, seeing it as a consequence of Iran's regional power. He suggested this would force Arab nations to accept Iran's sovereignty and superiority.
The critics, associated with the Paydari Front and including MP Mahmoud Nabavian and Kayhan newspaper editor-in-chief Hossein Shariatmadari, are specifically targeting Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. They question the justification for relinquishing control of the Strait of Hormuz, viewing it as a critical leverage point. The Khorosan newspaper expressed concern over the freedom granted to critics, suggesting that supporters of the deal should also be allowed to voice their opinions to demonstrate majority support.
The hardliners' opposition could potentially aid US President Donald Trump in framing the deal as superior to the 2015 agreement he withdrew from, though the two agreements are distinct in their focus.