US Enacts New Sanctions on Iran as Hardliners Intensify Attacks on Domestic Leadership

⚖️ Two accounts of the same story

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New US sanctions will further strain Iran's economy. Intensified internal factionalism and public criticism of top officials by hardliners indicate growing instability within Iran's governance structure, potentially impacting policy decisions and national unity amidst external pressures.

📌 Key developments

• US President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law, expanding sanctions targeting Iran's energy and weapons sectors.
• Hardliners in Iran are using new justifications to criticize and attack the leaders of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, reflecting ongoing internal political tensions. [cite: Donya-e-Eqtesad]
• Pro-government rallies in Tehran, ongoing for 200 consecutive nights, have become a platform for hardliners to chant against President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf.
• US President Donald Trump stated he is nearing a "big decision" on whether to resume large-scale military action against Iran or pursue an end to the conflict.
• The US State Department cleared the potential sale of 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia for $24.3 billion, despite US intelligence concerns about potential technology transfer to China.

🎭 People in the news

• Masoud Pezeshkian — Iranian President, subject to hardliner criticism at rallies.
• Abbas Araghchi — Iranian Foreign Minister, subject to hardliner criticism at rallies.
• Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf — Parliament Speaker, subject to hardliner criticism at rallies.
• Donald Trump — US President, signed new Iran sanctions and is weighing military action against Iran.
• Hossein Taeb — Head of Basij militia, identified as leading a hardline faction that sabotaged peace efforts.

👀 What to watch

• Further statements from Iranian officials regarding the new US sanctions.
• Any developments or clarifications on President Trump's "big decision" regarding military action against Iran.
• Reactions from Iranian domestic media to the US F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia.