In an unfolding drama of political maneuvering, Iran’s internal power struggle has reached a critical juncture as factions within the clerical regime clash over the formation of Massoud Pezeshkian’s cabinet.

The turmoil was laid bare on July 23 when Pezeshkian publicly expressed his frustration, stating, “Selecting these officials has truly become a dilemma for us because we promised to choose the best. Now, when we ask for help, everyone is pushing their people forward, and I don’t know what to do.”

Pezeshkian’s appeal to rival factions to reduce pressure highlights the country’s precarious situation. “Our country is not in a good state. We are severely sanctioned. Our problems stem from our differences and perspectives. If we are to stand against them, if we are to remain strong and deliver a powerful blow, we must unite,” he declared.

State-run media such as Khabar Online have supported Pezeshkian, citing preemptive threats even before a foreign minister was appointed. Paydari faction member Kowsari criticized the foreign ministry candidates, saying, “Zarif is leading the selection process, and everyone is familiar with his approach to the foreign ministry and the JCPOA; therefore, I am not hopeful about the outcome.”

Conversely, media aligned with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have voiced strong opposition. A newspaper associated with the IRGC questioned the integrity of the cabinet steering council, warning of dangerous implications of ethnicity and sectarianism influencing appointments.

Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has intervened, providing explicit guidelines on cabinet formation, emphasizing criteria such as honesty, devoutness, and commitment to the system. On social media platform X, Khamenei outlined, “They should have a reputation for integrity and honesty, no history of political misconduct, and a national rather than factional outlook.”

Compounding the tension, Hossein Shariatmadari, editor-in-chief of Kayhan Daily, accused Pezeshkian’s associates of corruption and espionage, predicting severe challenges for his government. He likened the cabinet selection process to a misguided camel, fraught with individuals allegedly aligned with foreign adversaries.

Further complicating the political landscape, MP Meysam Zohourian Aboutorabi argued against turning the cabinet into a “consortium of parties and political factions,” advocating instead for a cohesive cabinet focused on solving people’s issues.

Judiciary head Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei echoed the Supreme Leader’s call for adherence to foundational principles, highlighting consistency in foreign policy and vigilance against enemies.

Amidst this turmoil, Saeed Jalili, Khamenei’s senior aide, and Pezeshkian’s defeated rival, vowed to continue his shadow government efforts. Jalili’s post-election activities have drawn criticism, with Fazel Meybodi, a likely candidate in Pezeshkian’s government, warning of the dangers posed by such covert operations.

The IRGC-affiliated Javan website cautioned that partisan conflicts could lead to a gridlock in the country’s affairs, highlighting the deepening political disparity.

As lobbying and pressure intensify, Pezeshkian’s task of cabinet formation appears increasingly fraught.  The ongoing infighting, coupled with allegations of corruption and atrocities, is fueling public anger and setting the stage for potential unrest. Iran’s history suggests that fractures at the top often lead to broader societal upheavals, casting a shadow over the regime’s future stability.

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