Why ceasefire deal with US has unsettled Iran’s hardliners
Why ceasefire deal with US has unsettled Iran’s hardliners
In recent days, Islamic Republic hardliners in Tehran displayed a massive banner at a major crossroads in the capital. The message, “The Strait of Hormuz is to stay closed,” was intended to reflect the stance of Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has remained largely out of public view since his ascension to power. However, this display may soon be outdated, as Iran’s agreement to a two-week pause in hostilities and the re-opening of the Strait followed Pakistan’s request. The decision came despite repeated assertions from Iran that it would not consent to a temporary ceasefire, insisting instead on a permanent resolution to the conflict with the United States and Israel.
Hardline factions within Iran have expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that the nation’s strategic advantage over the US and Israel should have been used to prolong the war. Their frustration stems from the ability of Iran to disrupt Gulf countries through missile and drone attacks, which they see as a symbol of defiance. Reports indicate that following the announcement of the ceasefire, US and Israeli flags were set ablaze in Tehran, signaling a sense of outrage among the staunchest supporters of the conflict.
A group of Basij volunteers, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), arrived at the foreign ministry during the early hours to protest the decision. Shortly after, the editor of the hardline newspaper Kayhan described the agreement as “a gift to the enemy,” suggesting it would allow the adversary to replenish forces and continue operations. The Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), Iran’s highest decision-making body under the supreme leader, President Masoud Pezeshkian, made the choice to accept Pakistan’s request, ensuring temporary passage through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a ceasefire from the US and Israel.
“A gift to the enemy,” the editor of Kayhan wrote, underscoring the discontent within Iran’s conservative circles.
China is believed to have played a key role in persuading Iran to agree to the proposal, emphasizing the strategic importance of the alliance. The 40-day conflict has left significant damage, with over 3,000 fatalities reported by human rights groups. US President Donald Trump had previously warned of even greater destruction if hostilities continued.
Even among the hardliners, there is growing acknowledgment that a resolution is necessary to prevent further devastation to Iran’s critical systems. Just hours before the ceasefire was announced, the hardline Chief Justice, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, stated on Iranian state television that Iran aimed to end the war while retaining its leverage. This sentiment echoed Mohammad Javad Zarif, the former foreign minister, who had written in an article for Foreign Affairs a few days prior, advocating similar goals.
The SNSC framed the ceasefire as a triumph, urging supporters to maintain unity. According to Iranian media, the Speaker of Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, will lead the delegation in talks with the US in Islamabad, engaging directly with Vice President JD Vance. This marks a shift from the traditional hardline approach, as direct negotiations with the US were previously prohibited by the former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an Israeli strike at the start of the conflict.
Despite the agreement, the war between Iran and the US remains far from concluded. Should discussions falter, hostilities could reignite, a possibility that appeals to some Iranians who view the conflict as a means to dismantle what they perceive as an oppressive regime. For others, however, the ceasefire offers much-needed respite from the ongoing violence and loss of life.