Khamenei grants unprecedented powers to Masoud Pezeshkian, expert says

Iranian affairs expert Dr. Jafar Al-Hashemi has said that Tehran is seeking to take advantage of what it perceives as a shift in the political climate in the United States to pave the way for direct negotiations with Washington. He noted that the Iranian regime is looking for tangible economic gains to present to its domestic audience as a result of its resilience during its standoff with the US.

Speaking to Al Arabiya FM, Al-Hashemi explained that Masoud Pezeshkian’s remarks about directives from Mojtaba Khamenei to end the state of “no war, no peace” are not new. Pezeshkian had previously discussed the government being granted additional powers related to negotiations, which were not available before. According to some reports, this could pave the way for direct talks with the US.

 He added that Tehran is intensifying its messages about negotiations, believing that the American political climate has changed following what he described as a major defeat for the Republican Party, especially President Donald Trump. He also referenced comments by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who praised the mediation efforts of Qatar and Pakistan.

Al-Hashemi pointed out that Iran sees the current period as an opportunity to reach a settlement, given its inability to confront the US militarily. He believes that a peaceful path remains the most likely option for Tehran.

 While acknowledging Iran’s hardline stance and insistence on specific demands, Al-Hashemi said that progress will require practical steps from the American side. He noted that Tehran needs tangible economic achievements to show the Iranian public that it has not emerged defeated from the confrontation, but rather has demonstrated military and security resilience and secured gains that serve the interests of ordinary Iranians.