Iran’s Pezeshkian denies Trump’s claims of internal divisions

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday strongly rejected US President Donald Trump’s assertions that Iran is experiencing internal divisions between hardliners and moderates. “There are no hardliners or moderates in Iran. We are all Iranians and revolutionaries,” Pezeshkian wrote on X. He stressed that there is “a solid unity like steel between the people and the state” and vowed that Tehran would make “the aggressor regret its actions.” “One God, one nation, one leader, and one path, the path of the victory of beloved Iran,” he added.

Trump’s claims and Strait of Hormuz

Earlier, Trump claimed on Truth Social that Tehran is struggling with intense internal conflict between hardliners, whom he said are “losing badly on the battlefield,” and moderates who are “gaining respect.” He also asserted that Iran is having “a very hard time figuring out who their leader is.” Trump further claimed that Washington maintains “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz, stating that no vessel can transit without US Navy consent and that the strait is “sealed up tight” until Iran is “able to make a deal.”

Regional conflict and ceasefire

Regional hostilities have escalated since the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, killing and injuring thousands. Tehran launched retaliatory strikes on Israel and regional countries hosting US military assets and restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz. On Tuesday, Trump extended a two-week ceasefire with Iran, one day before the truce was set to expire.