Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran
Tehran, Apr 24: Senior Iranian officials have strongly rejected claims by US President Donald Trump of divisions within Iran’s leadership, asserting that the country remains united amid escalating tensions.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issued statements dismissing Trump’s remarks. Pezeshkian and Ghalibaf, along with the Supreme National Security Council, shared a joint message on social media platform X emphasizing unity.
“In Iran, there are no radicals or moderates. We are all Iranian and revolutionary,” the statement said, adding that the nation and government remain firmly united under the Supreme Leader.
First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref echoed the message, stating that Iran is “a stronghold of unity” and that political diversity does not undermine national solidarity, especially during times of crisis.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has not made a public appearance since assuming leadership following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28. US officials have claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei was injured in the same strike, while a report by The New York Times said he remains seriously wounded but mentally alert.
Trump and his aides have repeatedly claimed over the past week that internal disagreements persist among Iranian leaders, alleging infighting between moderates and hardliners. However, Tehran has dismissed these assertions, with Araghchi stating that Iran’s political and military institutions remain fully coordinated.
“The battlefield and diplomacy are fully aligned fronts in the same war. Iranians are more united than ever,” Araghchi said.
Iran has also blamed the United States for stalled diplomatic talks, citing Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports. Trump, however, indicated that he is comfortable maintaining economic pressure, saying any deal would only be pursued when it aligns with US interests and those of its allies.
Tensions remain high in the region, with air defence systems activated over Tehran earlier on Thursday, though no official confirmation of an attack has been issued. Trump has also warned that US forces would respond forcefully to any Iranian attempts to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
The situation has contributed to rising oil prices amid uncertainty and disruptions in the Gulf, including Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz and the US naval blockade.
Meanwhile, Israel has signalled readiness to escalate the conflict. Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel is prepared to resume military operations against Iran, pending approval from the United States.
The fragile ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic deadlock continue to keep the region on edge.