伊朗领导阶层在战争问题上表现出表面团结，但对于战争真正目标的认知存在显著裂痕[1]。以Saeed Jalili为首的超级强硬派坚持追求全面胜利，拒绝与美国进行任何谈判[1]；而以总统Masoud Pezeshkian和议长Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf为代表的实用主义派则将军事压力视为谈判的工具，充分考虑到伊朗目前严峻的经济形势[1]。新任最高领袖Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei的立场尚未明确，两派都声称获得了其支持[1]。
这一分歧在多个场合中公开显现。在四月达成的停火协议表决中，伊朗最高国家安全委员会获得12票赞成（共13票），仅Saeed Jalili投出反对票[1]。超级强硬派通过每晚的集会活动和国家电视台IRIB控制舆论导向，阻止与美国的谈判[1]。国家电视台甚至曾打断Qalibaf关于与华盛顿谈判的直播以及Pezeshkian关于前最高领袖支持谈判的演讲[1]。
支持谈判的声音也在扩大。超过250名前议员、神职人员和教授于7月签署了反战请愿书[1]。总统之子Youssef Pezeshkian在7月中旬发布的一系列信息中呼吁平衡现实的军事目标与日趋虚弱的经济状况[1]。伊朗当前面临货币贬值、通胀螺旋上升和失业率攀升等多重经济困境[1]。
Iran's top leadership maintains a coordinated public stance on military matters, yet harbors fundamental disagreements over war aims.[1] A hard-line faction led by Saeed Jalili advocates for total victory and opposes negotiations with the United States, while a pragmatist camp headed by President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf views military pressure as a negotiating tool, cognizant of Iran's economic challenges.[1] The position of new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei remains ambiguous, with both factions claiming his backing.[1]
The divide crystallized during deliberations over a ceasefire agreement reached in April, which secured approval from Iran's Supreme National Security Council with 12 votes in favor out of 13 members—only Jalili cast a dissenting vote.[1] The ultra-conservative camp has leveraged nightly gatherings and control over state broadcaster IRIB to shape public opinion against talks with Washington.[1] State television has interrupted broadcasts of Qalibaf discussing potential negotiations with Washington and of Pezeshkian citing support for dialogue from the previous Supreme Leader.[1] In July, over 250 former lawmakers, clergy members, and academics signed an anti-war petition.[1]
The economic pressures underlying this strategic debate are significant.[1] President Pezeshkian's son, Youssef Pezeshkian, circulated a series of messages in mid-July urging reconciliation between realistic military objectives and Iran's weakened economy.[1] The country faces currency depreciation, escalating inflation, and rising unemployment.[1]