BySETH J. FRANTZMAN

JUNE 15, 2026 10:38

Updated: JUNE 15, 2026 10:43

Critics of Iran's leadership feel stunned by the latest outlines of a pact between Washington and Tehran, according to an Iranian contact who spoke with The Jerusalem Post on Monday.

The contact, connected to individuals inside the country and aware of nationwide conditions, described reactions to the developing agreement among locals.

The contact noted that associates observed events unfolding naturally in favor of Iran's citizens and global interests ever since the initial conflict erupted against the Islamic Republic in June 2025.

The contact reviewed the brief war and noted its achievements following Israeli actions targeting Iran.

Yet the contact highlighted surprise among regime opponents regarding the Trump administration's role. "He arrived to claim the results of Israeli efforts before they could fully mature, and this disrupted the process."

The contact mentioned unexpected discussions among regime foes about possible hardliner moves toward a military takeover in Iran, driven by resistance to the pact inside the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

"Several hardliners remain active within regime structures," the contact stated, adding that "reformists in the IRGC" have conducted "a purge in recent months. They isolated the hardliners."

Concern that Iran's regime 'misled' US

The worry centers on how the regime views the emerging agreement, apparently facilitated by Pakistan and Qatar, as a success for Tehran.

"Iranian state broadcasts portrayed it as a triumph for the axis of resistance over the US," the contact observed. "We are all astonished. I spoke with a friend in Iran recently. They struggle to accept that such a deal occurred."

Opponents of the regime fear the US has been persuaded into this arrangement.

The contact faults the Trump administration's advisers for being deceived by the regime. "We expected hardliners in Iran to block moderates and reformists from reaching any agreement with the US."

Iranian hardliners might 'undermine pact, erode regime'

This situation has prompted some to suggest that allowing "hardliners in Iran to secure brief additional influence" could enable them to block finalization of the agreement, ultimately harming the regime over time.

"Moderates inside the IRGC and their allies grasp Western diplomatic phrasing. They excel at deceiving Western officials, adopting a 'victim' stance, and influencing global views to portray the Islamic Republic as wronged," the contact explained.

Apprehension now exists that the regime along with allies like the Houthis and Hezbollah have prevailed, leaving the Iranian people shortchanged.

They endured violence during January protests, and the February conflict failed to remove the regime, potentially leaving it strengthened instead.