Inside the growing rift between Iran’s dealmakers and ultraconservatives

Inside the growing rift between Iran’s dealmakers and ultraconservatives Submitted by MEE correspondent on Tue, 08/11/2026 - 10:52 Leaked recordings underscore tensions over US negotiations and competing visions for the future Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian at a press conference in Tehran, 8 August 2026 (Iranian Presidential Office/AFP) Off Iran ’s political landscape appears to have entered a new phase as two competing camps emerge: those advocating a deal with the United States and those determined to block any agreement. Principlists have intensified their pressure on reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian and conservative Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, both of whom are seeking to reach an agreement with Washington and bring an end to almost six months of hostilities. Principlists fear that any deal could marginalise them politically and weaken their influence over Iran’s future direction.