Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is reportedly considering resignation amid deepening internal divisions within the country’s leadership, according to multiple media reports.

Sources cited primarily by Israeli outlets claim that Pezeshkian has privately expressed frustration over being sidelined by the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is said to have taken control of key military and strategic decisions during the ongoing conflict involving Iran, United States, and Israel.

According to these reports, the president has been excluded from critical wartime decision making processes and has faced significant barriers in accessing the country’s top leadership. In private discussions with aides, Pezeshkian allegedly indicated that the IRGC’s dominance has limited his authority, raising concerns about the balance of power within Iran’s governing structure.

Further claims suggest that Pezeshkian attempted to submit his resignation to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, but was unable to do so due to an inability to establish contact. These reports remain unverified, and no official confirmation has been issued by Iranian authorities.

Iran’s political system is characterized by a dual structure in which elected officials, including the president, operate alongside powerful unelected institutions such as the IRGC and the office of the Supreme Leader. Historically, tensions between these centers of power have surfaced during periods of crisis, particularly in times of military conflict.

The reported developments come amid escalating hostilities in the region, with senior Iranian figures allegedly targeted in ongoing military operations. Such losses could further strain internal cohesion within the leadership.

While the situation remains fluid and largely unconfirmed, the reports highlight potential fractures at the highest levels of Iran’s government, raising questions about political stability as the conflict continues.

Larijani, a prominent political figure and former secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Tehran on March 17, according to Iranian state media. His death marks one of the most significant blows to Iran’s leadership in recent months.

Leadership Vacuum Widens

Analysts say Larijani’s death creates a serious gap within Iran’s already strained leadership structure. Known for his experience and influence across political, military and clerical circles, he played a key role in shaping Iran’s strategic decisions.

“Figures like Larijani are not easily replaced, especially under wartime conditions,” regional experts note. His absence is expected to slow coordination and complicate high-level decision-making at a time when rapid responses are critical.

Shift Toward Hardline Control

In the aftermath of the strike, power is increasingly expected to shift toward Iran’s military establishment, particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This could result in a more hardline approach to the conflict.

Larijani had long been seen as a pragmatic conservative capable of balancing military priorities with diplomatic engagement. Without him, Iran may find it harder to pursue flexible strategies or explore de-escalation.

Diplomatic Options Shrink

The loss of Larijani also reduces the likelihood of diplomatic breakthroughs. He was considered one of the few figures within Iran’s system who maintained credibility both domestically and internationally.

His involvement in past negotiations and his ability to bridge internal factions made him a valuable channel for dialogue. Analysts warn that his death could weaken already limited prospects for negotiation.

Internal Uncertainty Grows

The assassination has heightened concerns within Iran’s leadership about security vulnerabilities. The ability of foreign intelligence to target senior officials has raised fears of further attacks.

At the same time, internal political dynamics are becoming more fluid, as different factions may compete to fill the vacuum left by Larijani. This could further complicate decision-making and delay coherent responses.

Fewer Strategic Choices

With leadership losses mounting and pressure from external forces increasing, Iran’s strategic options appear increasingly constrained. The government faces a difficult choice between escalating the conflict or seeking ways to stabilize the situation.

However, both paths carry significant risks. Escalation could invite stronger retaliation, while restraint may be seen as weakness internally and externally.

A Critical Moment

Larijani’s killing highlights a shift in the nature of the conflict, where targeted strikes against key individuals are having far-reaching political consequences.

As Iran navigates this period of uncertainty, the loss of one of its most experienced figures may have lasting implications not only for its internal stability but also for the broader regional balance.

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The conflict in the Middle East intensified on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States should play a role in selecting Iran’s next leader, while Israel ordered residents of southern Beirut to evacuate ahead of potential military strikes.

The developments come as the war involving Iran, Israel and the United States expands across multiple fronts, raising fears of a broader regional conflict affecting the Middle East and beyond.

Trump calls for U.S. influence in Iran’s leadership transition

In comments reported Thursday, Trump said Washington should be involved in choosing the successor to Iran’s late supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a recent airstrike in Tehran amid escalating hostilities.

Trump argued that the United States must ensure Iran’s future leadership does not continue the policies of the previous government.

“We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran,” Trump said, while also dismissing the possibility of Khamenei’s son becoming the next supreme leader.

Under Iran’s constitution, the country’s Assembly of Experts, an 88-member clerical body, is responsible for selecting the next supreme leader. Officials have indicated the process may already be close to completion as the country grapples with war and political instability.

The comments have sparked debate internationally, with critics warning that direct foreign influence in Iran’s leadership transition could further inflame tensions.

Israel orders evacuation in southern Beirut

Meanwhile, Israel issued evacuation orders for residents in the southern suburbs of Beirut, a densely populated area believed to be a stronghold of the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

The Israeli military instructed civilians to move north and east of the area, warning that remaining in the zone could put their lives at risk.

The evacuation order triggered panic and heavy traffic as thousands of residents attempted to flee the area. Local reports described crowded roads, gunfire in parts of the suburb of Dahiyeh, and disruptions near Beirut’s international airport.

According to Lebanese authorities, Israeli strikes earlier this week have already killed more than 100 people in Lebanon, including several children.

War spreads across the region

The fighting is part of a wider conflict that erupted after a series of Israeli and U.S. strikes targeted Iranian military infrastructure and leadership positions across Iran.

The killing of Khamenei dramatically escalated tensions and prompted retaliatory actions from Iranian-aligned groups throughout the region. Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel shortly afterward, leading to Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon.

The war has also disrupted regional stability, with missile attacks, drone strikes and military operations reported across several countries.

Officials say the conflict has already resulted in more than 1,000 deaths in Iran, over 100 in Lebanon, and casualties in Israel and among U.S. forces.

Growing fears of wider regional escalation

International observers warn that the conflict could widen further if diplomatic efforts fail.

Iran has accused the United States of entering the war on Israel’s behalf and vowed retaliation, while Western governments have urged restraint and called for urgent diplomatic talks to prevent further escalation.

Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies report mass displacement as civilians flee major cities amid ongoing airstrikes and military operations.

With tensions continuing to rise and no immediate ceasefire in sight, analysts warn that the Middle East may be entering one of its most dangerous periods in years.

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