Where do Iran’s political factions stand on the US peace deal?

Iran's rival political factions are in disagreement over a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the United States, a development that could impact the country's foreign policy and domestic stability. The hardline faction, led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has expressed strong opposition to any form of agreement with the US, viewing it as a capitulation that would undermine national sovereignty and the Islamic Revolution's principles. This group emphasizes self-reliance and resistance against perceived Western influence, advocating for continued nuclear development and a robust regional presence.

Conversely, the reformist and moderate factions, often associated with President Hassan Rouhani's administration and figures like former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, have shown a more pragmatic approach. They argue that engagement with the US, particularly on issues such as nuclear non-proliferation and regional security, could lead to sanctions relief and improved economic conditions for the Iranian people. This camp believes that a carefully negotiated MOU could serve as a stepping stone towards de-escalation and potentially a broader diplomatic engagement, citing the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as a past example of successful, albeit contentious, diplomacy.

The debate is further complicated by the role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a powerful military and economic entity. While some elements within the IRGC may see strategic advantages in certain agreements, the institution as a whole often aligns with the hardline stance, prioritizing its regional influence and ideological objectives. The outcome of this internal political struggle over the US MOU will likely shape Iran's international relations and its internal economic trajectory in the coming years, with significant implications for global energy markets and regional security dynamics.