The New York Times reports Iran’s traditional conservative–reformist divide has been upended after the assassination of former supreme leader Khamenei, with the conservative camp splitting into pragmatists who favor ending hostility with the U.S. and opening the economy, and hardliners who reject concessions (including on nuclear issues) and advocate prolonging the war. Four senior Iranian officials and two IRGC members told the paper that public disagreements mask deeper backstage ruptures as f

The New York Times reports Iran’s traditional conservative–reformist divide has been upended after the assassination of former supreme leader Khamenei, with the conservative camp splitting into pragmatists who favor ending hostility with the U.S. and opening the economy, and hardliners who reject concessions (including on nuclear issues) and advocate prolonging the war. Four senior Iranian officials and two IRGC members told the paper that public disagreements mask deeper backstage ruptures as factions compete to win the allegiance of new supreme leader Mujtaba. Pragmatists — reportedly including senior IRGC generals, parliament speaker Qalibaf, President Pezeshkian and national security council secretary Gen. Zolghadr — have gained the upper hand and have pushed for accepting a ceasefire, direct talks with U.S. Vice President Vance and an agreement with Trump. IRGC commanders have consolidated de facto governing power since the war began, and Deputy Vice President for Administrative Affairs Mohammad-Jafar Ghaempanah said the new supreme leader does not have final decision authority, indicating a shift toward more collective decisionmaking.