[93584] The Iran-US War Termination Agreement: Mixed Reactions and Internal Tensions

The Iran-US Agreement: Ceasefire or Strategic Shift?

In the shadow of the signing of a memorandum of understanding to end the war between Iran and the US, signed in France, Iran faces political and public turmoil. President Masoud Pezeshkian defined the agreement as a national achievement and said that "all clauses of the memorandum of understanding are in our favor," while noting that the US has recognized the right of the Iranian people. According to Pezeshkian, as reported by Iran International, the sole American goal is to prevent the attainment of an atomic bomb, an issue which he says is acceptable to Iran's leadership.

On the other hand, discordant voices are being heard among conservative elements and within the security establishment. Abdollah Haji-Sadeghi, the Supreme Leader's representative to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, clarified that "the day will not come when we become friends with the US" and emphasized that the negotiations were intended to secure rights, not to achieve reconciliation. This position is also supported by media outlets identified with a conservative line, which express concern over "capitulation" to external pressures.

In the background, burning economic issues remain. President Pezeshkian declared that $6 billion frozen in Qatar will be released, and that the government intends to increase food subsidies (Kala-Barg) in light of high inflation. At the same time, the head of the General Inspection Organization, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, announced measures against irregularities by telecommunications companies and action against executives holding dual positions, as part of the fight against corruption.

First Vice President Mohammad Aref expressed cautious optimism and said that the country is entering a "new space" where sanctions will have no meaning. However, discourse on social media, as reflected in reports by Iran International, reflects public distrust, with many citizens expressing doubt as to whether the resources allocated will go toward improving their economic situation or be redirected to continue financing regional activities.