Why ceasefire deal with US has unsettled Iran’s hardliners

Why ceasefire deal with US has unsettled Iran’s hardliners

Just days after Mojtaba Khamenei assumed leadership of the Islamic Republic, hardline factions in Tehran displayed a towering poster at a bustling crossroads. The message, “The Strait of Hormuz will stay shut,” was intended to reflect the new supreme leader’s stance, though he had not yet appeared publicly. However, the banner’s presence may soon fade following Iran’s agreement to a two-week pause in hostilities and the re-opening of the Strait, as requested by Pakistan. This decision came despite Iran’s repeated insistence on a permanent resolution to the conflict with the United States and Israel.

The hardliners, known for their strong opposition to Western influence, had been emboldened by Iran’s capacity to disrupt Gulf nations through missile and drone strikes. They argued that the country should have continued its military campaign, leveraging its strategic advantage. Yet, recent actions have sparked frustration. In the early hours of Tuesday, members of the Basij militia, under the control of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, marched to the foreign ministry to protest the ceasefire. Meanwhile, the editor of Kayhan, a hardline publication, called the agreement “a gift to the enemy,” suggesting it would allow adversaries to regroup.

“Agreeing to the ceasefire is a gift to the enemy, enabling them to replenish their forces and continue the war,” wrote the editor of Kayhan.

The decision to comply with Pakistan’s request was made by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), the nation’s highest authority under the supreme leader. Moderate President Masoud Pezeshkian, who heads the council, framed the agreement as a strategic triumph, urging supporters to maintain unity. According to Iranian media, the parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, will lead the delegation in talks with US Vice President JD Vance in Islamabad—a shift from the previous administration’s rigid policies.

China is believed to have played a key role in persuading Iran to accept Pakistan’s proposal. The 40-day war has left Iran with significant damage, with over 3,000 casualties reported by human rights groups. US President Donald Trump had previously warned of escalating attacks, potentially causing even greater devastation. Even within hardline circles, the need for a resolution became apparent as critical infrastructure faced increasing threats.

Before the ceasefire announcement, the hardline Chief Justice, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, stated on state television that Iran aimed to end the war while preserving its strategic position. This echoed the arguments made by former foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, a moderate, in a recent

“We seek an end to the conflict while retaining our advantage,” said Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei.

article in Foreign Affairs. The SNSC has positioned the agreement as a victory, despite ongoing tensions between Iran and the US.

While the ceasefire offers temporary respite, the war could reignite if negotiations falter. Some supporters of the conflict, viewing it as a means to challenge the US-led regime, may welcome this possibility. For others, the pause in hostilities provides much-needed relief from the chaos and loss surrounding them.