A leaked confidential letter has triggered a major political controversy in Iran, appearing to reinforce remarks by US President Donald Trump about deep divisions within the country’s leadership. The letter, reportedly addressed to influential figure Mojtaba Khamenei, has brought to light sharp differences between government officials and hardline factions.
The document reportedly warns that Iran’s economy has deteriorated significantly following military confrontations with the United States and Israel in February 2026. It states that the situation has reached an unsustainable level and calls for immediate and serious negotiations with the US over a nuclear deal to address the worsening economic crisis.
The list of signatories underscores the gravity of the issue, with key leaders including President Masoud Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Mostafa Pourmohammadi reportedly backing engagement with Washington. However, hardline figures such as Ali Bagheri Kani declined to endorse the letter, viewing talks with the US as a concession.
The leak has caused significant unrest within Iran’s political establishment, with warnings issued that those responsible could face up to 10 years in prison. A close associate of Ghalibaf, Jalil Mohebbi, publicly cautioned against such disclosures. In response, senior leaders have attempted to downplay the situation, asserting unity across factions, while Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei dismissed reports of internal discord.
Despite official denials, the central disagreement continues to revolve around the nuclear issue. While Mojtaba Khamenei is said to have drawn a firm line against negotiations, several government representatives argue that engaging with the US is essential to ease sanctions. This stance has drawn sharp criticism from hardliners such as Mohammad Nabavian and Amir Hossein Sabati, who have termed the approach a strategic error, highlighting the deepening divide within Iran’s leadership.