Iran Faces Political Pressure Amid Economic Challenges During Ongoing Conflict

Hardliners in Iran are increasing pressure on the government, calling for the removal of Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The resignation of Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad has not alleviated the pressure on President Masoud Pezeshkian. The ongoing war and stalled diplomatic efforts are intensifying internal power struggles, with hardliners in parliament advocating for impeachment proceedings against Araghchi. This discontent was triggered by Araghchi's meeting with US negotiators during the United Nations General Assembly, which critics claim was unauthorized. Tehran lawmaker Amirhossein Sabeti has registered a motion for impeachment on parliament’s online portal, with support from lawmaker Hossein-Ali Haji-Deligani, who mentioned the possibility of using parliamentary oversight powers. Political analyst Ali Afshari noted that hardliners often shift responsibility to elected institutions and moderate forces within the government during negotiations. He emphasized the role of hardliners in shaping public opinion and influencing domestic and foreign policy. Hardliners previously held a parliamentary majority during the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) but did not prevent the signing of the agreement. Afshari stated that the Foreign Ministry acts on government directives and Araghchi operates within that framework. Lawmakers must gather a specific number of signatures to proceed with impeachment. The timing of these developments is critical as Iran's government is under significant economic pressure, with oil exports, a key revenue source, sharply declining due to US sanctions. Paknejad's resignation adds to this pressure, although he cited personal reasons for stepping down. Energy strategist Umud Shokri expressed skepticism that a new Oil Minister would change the situation, noting that Iran has established networks to export oil despite sanctions. He pointed out that certain factions within Iran's political system profit from circumventing sanctions, with revenues often not under state control. Shokri highlighted the lack of transparency in oil transactions, particularly those involving the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which reportedly manage sales through hidden channels. Analysts warn that the political and economic situation in Iran may worsen in the near future.