'Pragmatists' vs 'hardliners': Is Iran split over US deal?

AI Summary

Iranian political factions are divided between pragmatists and hardliners regarding negotiations with the United States over a recent war ceasefire and accord. US Vice President JD Vance and Iran's top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf held talks in Switzerland, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, signaling ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Factional divisions and opposition to talks with the United States exist within the Iranian hierarchy, but such splits will not suffice on their own to derail the negotiating process, analysts say. After five weeks of war paused by an April ceasefire and ended by an accord this month, US Vice President JD Vance and Iran's top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf held talks in Switzerland mediated by Qatar and Pakistan to begin a process in search of a final agreement.