Story perspectives

Iranian President Resigns Over IRGC’s Grip on Power

6/1/2026

Summary

Pezeshkian Resigns

President Masoud Pezeshkian submitted his resignation to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Sunday, saying the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has excluded the civilian government from key decisions.
The IRGC now de facto controls governance functions and an estimated 20%-40% of Iran’s economy.
Pezeshkian asked for immediate acceptance, noting his exit would leave Iran without a president and trigger succession, with authorities to confirm the resignation and Khamenei’s response unknown.

Summary

Pezeshkian Denies Resignation

Mehdi Tabatabai, Tehran’s Deputy Head of Communications, refuted claims President Masoud Pezeshkian resigned, calling them foreign media games.
Iran International, a London-based outlet, reported the resignation and labeled Pezeshkian a reformist president who clashed with conservatives.
The presidential office denied the resignation, saying no official confirmation had been received.
The denial warned that foreign media narratives aim to destabilize Iran’s internal political balance.

History

Historical Context

In May 1997 reformist Mohammad Khatami won Iran’s presidency with about 70 % of the vote, sparking the “2nd of Khordad” reform movement. His push to limit hard-line bodies like the Guardian Council faced vetoes and the 2004 parliamentary ban that gave conservatives roughly 70 % of seats. Today, President Masoud Pezeshkian’s alleged resignation and Deputy Mehdi Tabatabai’s denial revive the reform-vs-establishment tension.

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Pezeshkian Resigns

President Masoud Pezeshkian submitted his resignation to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Sunday, saying the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has excluded the civilian government from key decisions.
The IRGC now de facto controls governance functions and an estimated 20%-40% of Iran’s economy.
Pezeshkian asked for immediate acceptance, noting his exit would leave Iran without a president and trigger succession, with authorities to confirm the resignation and Khamenei’s response unknown.

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