By Noureddine Omar | 2026-05-20

The current conflict exposes the Islamic Republic’s deepening internal crisis, as tensions intensify between the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) leadership and President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Tensions peaked following the May 4 bombardment of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which Pezeshkian labeled as reckless "madness."

Iran International reported Pezeshkian’s intense anger at "irresponsible" missile strikes executed by IRGC commander-in-chief Ahmad Vahidi without government coordination.

"The IRGC has long monopolized key decisions, leaving political leadership to manage routine economic affairs," Sheyar Turko, an expert on the IRGC said.

"However, amid heavy losses incurred in both financial assets and infrastructure, Pezeshkian now urges a diplomatic shift away from violence and military adventurism," he added.

Pezeshkian warned the IRGC's actions could provoke a devastating US response targeting the critical energy sector infrastructure.

His condemnation as "madness" reflects fears that the IRGC’s actions will devastate Iran’s already battered national economy.

Analysts agree that curbing the IRGC requires a return to reason, focusing solely on the best interests of the country and its people.

This strategy aims for a diplomatic exit with minimal losses, preventing persistence in warfare that risks outright military defeat.

On May 7, Pezeshkian publicly announced a two-and-a-half-hour, "direct and frank" meeting with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

He called for strengthening unity and trust within the country’s leadership structure during this important dialogue.

Turko described this move as "shrewd, preserving Pezeshkian’s political standing against accusations of defying the Supreme Leader while safeguarding his diplomatic efforts."