Iran Split Over War-Ending Deal as State Media Calls It a Surrender to Trump

Iran’s announcement of an agreement to end the war with the United States has triggered mixed reactions, with relief among some civilians but sharp anger from hardline circles that portray the deal as a capitulation to Washington. The state broadcaster, which is controlled by hawkish figures, covered the agreement negatively and described the 14-point accord as an Iranian surrender to Donald Trump.

Over the past several days, opposition to the deal escalated into large rallies and protests, where demonstrators targeted Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf, the two officials most closely associated with the negotiations. During the weekend demonstrations, protesters even called for both men to resign, and some shouted slogans demanding their deaths. In the days before the deal, hardliners also argued that any Iranian concession on control of the Strait of Hormuz would be a “gift to enemies” after it became clear the waterway was causing them economic damage.

President Masoud Pezeshkian pushed back against the attacks, urging unity and saying no major decision was made without close consultation and approval from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. “The biggest challenge we face today is the attempts by those who want to divide our society, an issue our enemies are watching closely,” he said, adding, “You cannot present your personal views as if they are the demands of the broader public.”

Unexpected criticism also came from reformists, who urged action against the ultra-conservative “Paydari Front.” Former Vice President Mostafa Hashemitaba called on the judiciary to move against those activists, accusing them of placing themselves above the supreme leader and claiming to speak for him. Meanwhile, opposition figures and exiles who had hoped the war would bring down the Islamic Republic expressed deep disappointment, and monarchist activist Behnam Amini, a supporter of Reza Pahlavi, accused Trump of being willing to “wash the blood of thousands of Iranians” for his own benefit. Critics of Pahlavi said the deal, and Trump’s remark to The Wall Street Journal that he had “never been interested in regime change in Iran,” showed that Pahlavi’s attempt to present himself as the opposition’s natural successor had collapsed.