Iranian hardliners believed a soft coup was underway during negotiations with the United States. Visible leaders pursued a deal abroad while internal authority contests grew. The funeral of Ali Khamenei exposed deep divisions and hardline anger. Mojtaba Khamenei's absence fueled fears of power consolidation by other officials. This struggle between competing power centers ultimately led to hardliners gaining an upper hand.

Hardline factions in Iran believe that instead of avenging the late supreme leader’s killing, Iranian officials have surrendered by signing an agreement with the US.

Iranian hardliners believed a soft coup was underway during negotiations with the United States. Visible leaders pursued a deal abroad while internal authority contests grew. …