Trump Claims Iran Leadership Divided Between 'Hardliners and Moderates'

Apr 25, 2026

President Donald Trump claims Iran's leadership is divided between hardliners and moderates, an assertion rejected by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who jointly emphasized national unity. The claims come amid a tense ceasefire following US-Israeli strikes on February 28 that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with his successor Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly gravely wounded and absent from public view. Trump maintains an airtight blockade on Iranian ports while Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz, causing oil prices to rise, and states the US will only negotiate when terms favor America. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz says Israel awaits Trump's approval to resume military operations against Iran.

Iranian Officials Reject Trump's Claims of Internal Division

▪Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has not made a public appearance since replacing his father Ali Khamenei.
▪The New York Times reported on Thursday that Mojtaba Khamenei is gravely wounded but remains mentally sharp, citing unidentified Iranian officials.
▪Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a statement rejecting Donald Trump's assertion about division in Iranian leadership.
▪Donald Trump claimed that Iranians are having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is.
▪Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issued a statement rejecting Donald Trump's assertion about division in Iranian leadership.
▪Donald Trump alleged there is crazy infighting between moderates and hardliners in Tehran.
▪Iran's first vice president Mohammad Reza Aref stated that Iran is not a land of rifts, but a stronghold of unity.
▪Masoud Pezeshkian and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf joined the Supreme National Security Council in posting a message stating there are no radicals or moderates in Iran.
▪United States President Donald Trump claimed there is a rift in the leadership in Tehran.
▪Ali Khamenei was killed by US-Israeli strikes on February 28.

Trump's Justification for Maintaining the Blockade and Ceasefire

▪Donald Trump stated on Thursday that Iran's Air Force is demolished.
▪Donald Trump stated on Thursday that Iran's Anti-Aircraft and Radar Weaponry is gone.
▪Donald Trump stated a deal will only be made when it is appropriate and good for the United States of America.

Escalating Tensions and Threats of Renewed Conflict

▪Israel Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Thursday that Israel is awaiting the green light from Donald Trump to return Iran to the age of darkness.