Hardline factions in Iran voice opposition as US-Iran deal nears finalization

Negotiations between the United States and Iran are approaching a tentative memorandum of understanding that could end the three-month conflict, but hard-line groups within Iran are mounting vocal opposition. The Endurance Front, a fringe faction that portrays itself as a guardian of the 1979 revolution, has used state media and street rallies to denounce the draft agreement, accusing negotiators of risking Iranian sovereignty.

"If Iran signs the agreement we will effectively become a colony of the United States," said Mahmoud Nabavian, a senior Endurance Front figure and former member of the negotiation team. He added that the deal could force Iran to seek U.S. permission for even limited uranium enrichment and could open the Strait of Hormuz to Israel.

Protesters organized a large demonstration outside the foreign ministry on Sunday, targeting top diplomat Abbas Araghchi and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Videos from the rally showed chants demanding their resignations and referencing the February assassination of the late Supreme Leader’s father.

The Iranian leadership, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has called for restraint in media coverage, urging outlets to avoid emphasizing perceived weaknesses. State-aligned newspaper Javan warned that some rally speakers were sowing division, while semi-official Tasnim news agency condemned “ugly insults” directed at officials and called for courteous forms of criticism.

President Donald Trump has hinted that the memorandum could be signed on his 80th birthday, though Tehran has not confirmed a final text. Despite the dissent, Iranian officials continue to present a united front, indicating that the regime’s senior bodies will retain the ultimate authority to approve or reject any agreement.