Iran dismisses Trump’s claim of leadership rift, says nation is ‘one soul’
Al Jazeera • • nation
Key Points:
- Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, have strongly rejected US President Donald Trump’s claims of a leadership rift in Tehran, emphasizing national unity and loyalty to the Supreme Leader.
- Iran’s first vice president, Mohammad Reza Aref, highlighted political diversity as a form of democracy but stressed that in times of crisis, the nation acts as a united front under one flag.
- Trump has alleged infighting among Iranian leaders and suggested the US is comfortable maintaining a blockade on Iran’s ports to exert economic pressure without escalating to full war or a diplomatic deal.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed claims of discord between the military and political leadership, asserting coordinated efforts in both battlefield and diplomacy, while Tehran blames the US blockade for stalled talks.
- Rising tensions include US threats to "shoot and kill" Iranian vessels laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, increased oil prices due to Gulf instability, and Israel’s Defense Minister signaling readiness to resume military action against Iran pending US approval.
