Hardline Factions

Divisions among Iranian officials became increasingly evident in late April 2026. The hardline faction opposes making any concessions in the ongoing negotiations with the United States and insists that the nuclear programme be excluded entirely from the negotiating agenda. Another, even harder-line faction rejects entering negotiations altogether. By contrast, the moderate faction advocates engagement in nuclear negotiations while remaining committed to the principles of the Islamic Revolution. This camp recognises that negotiations could contribute to the partial lifting of sanctions and help alleviate the economic hardships facing citizens amid the country's continuing economic decline. It also views an end to the war as a strategic necessity, particularly given the strain placed on Iran's military capabilities and the loss of senior leadership figures.   These divisions have also become increasingly visible within the Iranian regime’s diplomatic apparatus. Contradictory statements were issued by members of the same Iranian delegation during a visit to Islamabad on 23–24 April 2026. These disagreements raise direct questions about the future trajectory of both the negotiations and the war, while highlighting the potential scenarios that could emerge from the growing divisions within the Iranian regime itself.