New president vs Revolutionary Guards: Is Iran divided over Israel air strikes?
A recent internal conflict between Iran’s new President Masoud Pezeshkian and some radicals in the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has made the future of Iran’s response to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination in Tehran unpredictable.
The Iranian government is confused over how to take revenge for the killing of Haniyeh from Israel, according to The Telegraph.
The IRGC is reportedly recommending for a direct and massive missile strike on Tel Aviv and other major Israeli cities.
However, President Pezeshkian, who assumed office just days before the assassination, is requesting for a soft strategy.
Pezeshkian, known for his relatively balanced stance and his electoral victory over a candidate backed by the IRGC, is urging for a more restrained move.
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He is suggesting for strikes on alleged Mossad bases located outside Israel, particularly in neighbouring regions such as the Republic of Azerbaijan and Iraqi Kurdistan.
This step would lower the risk of a large-scale war with Israel, a conflict he believes could have major consequences for Iran.
“Pezeshkian fears that any direct attack on Israel would have serious consequences,” a close aide to President Pezeshkian told The Telegraph.
The source reportedly added that Pezeshkian has suggested informing Azerbaijan and Iraqi Kurdistan before any strikes on alleged Israeli bases within their borders.
The IRGC, which has historically enjoyed significant autonomy and influence within the Iranian government, is reportedly undermining Pezeshkian’s efforts to avoid a major confrontation with Israel.
An official from the IRGC told The Telegraph that the organization is largely disdainful of the president’s more calculated approach.
“The number one consideration is still striking Tel Aviv with Hezbollah and others at the same time,” the official said as quoted by The Telegraph
Esmail Qaani, the commander of the IRGC’s elite Quds Force, has also voiced strong support for an immediate and decisive retaliation.
According to The Telegraph, Pezeshkian faces difficulties in exercising his authority over the IRGC, which remains loyal to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to another aide close to the president, the IRGC’s push for a more aggressive response is “more about undermining his week-long presidency rather than covering the humiliation they have suffered” from the assassination.
