Iran's Guards push for strikes on Israeli cities, new president focuses on Mossad
Members of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, President Masoud Pezeshkian.
A confrontation between Iran's newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian and some hardliners within the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has cast uncertainty over Iran's response to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
The Iranian government is at odds over how to retaliate against Israel following the killing of Haniyeh, according to The Telegraph.
The IRGC is reportedly pushing for a direct and severe missile strike on Tel Aviv and other major Israeli cities. However, President Pezeshkian, who assumed office just days before the assassination, is pushing back against this aggressive strategy.
Pezeshkian, known for his comparatively moderate stance and his electoral victory over a candidate backed by the IRGC, is advocating for a more calculated response.
The newly elected president is urging for strikes on alleged Mossad bases located outside Israel, particularly in neighbouring regions such as the Republic of Azerbaijan and Iraqi Kurdistan.
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He argues that this approach would minimize the risk of a full-scale war with Israel, a conflict he believes could have severe consequences for Iran.
A close aide to President Pezeshkian told The Telegraph, "Pezeshkian fears that any direct attack on Israel would have serious consequences."
The aide reportedly further said that Pezeshkian has suggested notifying 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.
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An official from the IRGC told The Telegraph that the organisation is mainly dismissive of the president's more restrained 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.
Pezeshkian faces a rising conflict in asserting his authority over the IRGC, which remains loyal to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Another aide close to the president informs The Telegraph, The IRGC's push for a more aggressive response is seen as being "more about undermining his week-long presidency than addressing the humiliation they have suffered" from the assassination.
(With inputs from agencies)