Iranian conservatives have criticized President Pezeshkian for speaking out about his desire for peace, which they say undermines the confidence of both his domestic supporters and his Hamas and Hezbollah allies.
Many conservative circles in Iran have expressed concern about Tehran's lack of action in response to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Despite President Masoud Pezeshkian's statements of peace and readiness for nuclear negotiations at the UN General Assembly, Iranian fundamentalists criticize the lack of a tough stance towards Israel. BBC journalist Jiyar Gol reported this on September 26.
Inside Iran, conservatives say Pezeshkian's statements undermine confidence both at home and among Iran's allies abroad, such as Hamas and Hezbollah. They also express fears that Tehran could lose its influence in the region if it does not respond to Israeli attacks.
“One former IRGC commander noted that constant threats to Israel without real action undermine confidence in forces both inside and outside Iran,” Gol reports.
The current situation is aggravated by Iran's economic problems due to American sanctions and internal unrest. Iran fears that its aggression against Israel will provoke retaliatory strikes from the United States, which could lead to destabilization of the situation.
Thus, as summed up by the BBC journalist, Iran faces a choice: either weaken its regional alliances by refraining from action, or become embroiled in a conflict with disastrous consequences for the country.
