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The War of the Wolves After Khamenei’s Recent Speech
In recent days, there has been a noticeable escalation in internal tensions at the top of the Iranian regime, especially following the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s speech, which sparked a wave of divisions and conflicts among the leadership factions. This report aims to shed light on the "War of the Wolves" taking place among regime leaders, based on various media reports, with a reference to the upcoming Iranian demonstrations scheduled for September 6, 2025, in Brussels to support freedom and oppose repression.
Recent Developments
In his speech on September 3, Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf pointed out that “those who talk about the president’s insufficiency or issue false statements that harm national unity are playing into the enemy’s hands.” He added that statements issued by certain groups pose a greater threat than individual opinions because of their impact on national cohesion, reflecting an attempt to impose internal control amid the divisions.
On the other hand, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, in comments made to *Mashregh* on September 3, expressed appreciation for those who condemned the aforementioned statement with solid evidence, wishing that its author, whether out of forgetfulness or for personal motives, would withdraw their mistake. He confirmed that “Tehran’s prosecutor-general will carry out his legal duty,” indicating a potential legal confrontation.
**Opposition Reactions**
Azizeh Mansouri, Chairwoman of the Reform Front, criticized the judicial approach in a statement to *Bulletin News* on September 4, considering that “the judicial confrontation with opinion, criticism, and proposals reveals a crisis in listening.” In an interview with *Sarpoush* on September 3, she defended the statement, explaining that 34 out of 36 members who participated in the vote agreed with the main points, while 38 out of 39 approved the text. She pointed out that only one party opposed and announced its stance, while other members countered the rumors by officially supporting the statement, asserting that the ongoing attacks confirm the importance of the front.
In another context, Mansouri asked in an interview with *Sarpoush*: “If the Reform Front is insignificant, then why is so much time and effort spent attacking it, especially in Friday sermons that were supposed to symbolize unity?” She added that accusing a political faction that stood bravely against the enemy during the last 12-day war of betrayal reflects neglect of national interests. She called for responsibility from the Imams to prevent war and activate the “Masha” mechanism. She asked: “If negotiations are bad, what is the solution to prevent sanctions? Do you still consider them ‘torn paper’?”
Analyses and Positions
*Farhikhteh* published on September 3 an analysis accusing foreign intelligence services of influencing the political class through misleading analyses, considering the Reform Front’s statement as an extension of the “influence and hypocrisy” since the revolution. Conversely, Hussain Norouzi Niajd, a member of the People's Union Party and one of the front’s members, told *Deedayar* on September 3 that “silent voices are ineffective, and reforms must be carried out within the system to avoid an uncontrollable explosion,” urging for practical solutions.
*Arman Melli* on September 4 quoted Mohsen Armin as saying that organized attacks on the front reflect fear of fundamental reforms, noting wide support from opponents abroad and hardliners domestically.
Following Khamenei’s speech, Ejei subtly attacked the Reform Front, confirming the intervention of the prosecutor-general. Meanwhile, Ghalibaf today in the parliament described the first sessions after the summer recess as playing into the enemy’s hands, considering collective statements as more dangerous. In response, Mansouri threatened Ejei, saying “judicial confrontation exposes the listening crisis,” defending the statement in an interview with *Jamaran*. Despite threats from Khamenei and Ejei, the front continues to defend its positions, which exacerbates the "War of the Wolves" within the head of the regime, indicating the Supreme Leader’s options are running out. This comes amid planned Iranian demonstrations on September 6, 2025, in Brussels to support freedom and oppose repression.
By: Hassan Mahmoudi
