Kathmandu— Iran is facing new political challenges as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a final ultimatum to President Masoud Pezeshkian, effectively stripping him of his influence over major policy decisions and aligning himself with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander Ahmad Vahidi. This move comes amid ongoing tensions with the United States and regional conflicts.

Khamenei's Ultimatum to Pezeshkian

According to Israeli media reports, Khamenei has issued a final ultimatum to President Masoud Pezeshkian, signaling his support for IRGC Commander Ahmad Vahidi on key decisions related to negotiations and conflict. This move effectively strips the president of his primary political leverage, leaving him with limited influence over strategic policymaking.

Pezeshkian had previously threatened resignation during policy disagreements with Iran's leadership and formally sought to resign in May, claiming that his administration was entirely sidelined from national security and foreign policy decisions.

Tehran's Hardline Stance

The report indicates that Tehran has adopted a harder line towards the US, with Vahidi’s approach now becoming the regime's official policy. Differences between Iran's political leadership and the IRGC have largely diminished, with Khamenei granting Vahidi final say on major decisions related to the United States.

Iranian leaders believe that President Donald Trump is unlikely to undertake any significant policy shift before November's mid-term elections, prompting Tehran to maintain maximum pressure while seeking strategic and economic leverage.

Limited Diplomatic Engagement

Communication between Tehran and Washington remains limited to indirect exchanges between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US special envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Mediation efforts involving Qatar and Pakistan have also been ongoing.

No formal negotiations are currently underway, despite Trump's assertion that talks were taking place at Iran’s request.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.