As Iran’s economic crisis deepens and social discontent increases, new signs have emerged of an intensifying power struggle within the ruling establishment. While regime officials in recent months repeatedly invoked slogans such as preserving unity and wartime conditions in an attempt to suppress any social protests, they are now themselves entangled in internal rivalries and political score-settling. The latest example of this power struggle has surfaced in the election of the presidium of the 12th Majlis (parliament).
The state-run Jahan-e Sanat newspaper reported: “On Monday, May 25, the election for the presidium of the third session of the 12th Majlis will be held; an election in which the country’s special circumstances have not prevented the usual factional maneuvering seen in such political events. However, the manner of holding the presidium election remained shrouded in ambiguity due to the parliament’s closure.”
Exposing the Paydari Front’s Operation to Bring Down Ghalibaf
In its report, the state-run Jahan-e Sanat newspaper exposed what it described as an operation by the hardline Paydari Front faction to weaken Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the current speaker of parliament. The report shows that despite the regime’s official propaganda about the necessity of internal unity; different regime factions remain occupied with rivalry and struggles for a greater share of power.
The state-run Jahan-e Sanat newspaper explicitly stated in its report that hardliners are fully aware that their political weight is not comparable to that of Ghalibaf, but they are trying to prevent him from gaining full control of parliament through a strong vote. Although Ghalibaf’s faction succeeded in securing him the position of speaker of the Majlis of the anti-human regime for the seventh time, factional infighting and disputes continue.
This power struggle has not been limited to the position of parliament speaker. The report by the state-run Jahan-e Sanat newspaper also points to extensive efforts to remove Ghalibaf’s allies from deputy speaker and secretary positions within the presidium.
Power Struggle and Fear of the Future
Recent developments in parliament are being viewed as a reflection of a deeper crisis within the power structure of Iran’s regime. At the same time as, economic pressures increase and social protests reemerge; regime factions are feeling greater insecurity about their political future. Each faction is trying to consolidate its position and weaken internal rivals before any possible future developments.
In recent months, alongside intensifying inflation, the collapse of the national currency’s value, and the spread of labor and livelihood protests, regime leaders repeatedly emphasized the need for internal unity. Nevertheless, revelations about heavy lobbying and behind-the-scenes competition in the parliament’s presidium election have further exposed the deep divisions within the regime’s power structure.
Regime analysts have also reported growing tensions among various factions. Some media outlets close to the regime have warned that the continuation of this power struggle could deepen internal divisions. However, signs indicate that competition for a larger share of power has overridden any form of political cohesion.
A notable point is that even domestic media outlets are no longer able to conceal the dimensions of this crisis.
Social Protests and the Intensification of Divisions and Factional Infighting
At the same time as this power struggle, a new wave of social protests is unfolding in various Iranian cities. Retirees, workers, teachers, and other protesting groups have repeatedly demonstrated in recent weeks against the economic situation, rising prices, and the severe decline in purchasing power. Many observers believe that the increase in these protests has intensified regime factions’ fears about the future.
Under such circumstances, the regime’s internal conflicts have become more visible than ever. Each regime faction is trying to preserve its position and prevent being pushed out of the power structure. This power struggle has now become one of the most significant signs of the regime’s internal crisis.
