Iran’s Hardliners Accuse Leaders of ‘Coup’ as US Truce Collapses July 18

Iran’s fragile ceasefire with the United States has unraveled into renewed military strikes and political chaos. Two American service members were killed in Jordan on July 17, prompting President Trump to order new airstrikes. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister said the country suspended its commitments to the agreement, and hardline factions are now accusing Iran’s visible leaders of staging a soft coup while the new Supreme Leader remains hidden.

How the ceasefire fell apart

The US and Iran signed an interim Memorandum of Understanding last month to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the conflict that began in late February. On July 17, Iranian forces launched ballistic missiles and drone attacks on US positions in Jordan, killing two American service members and leaving one missing. Trump ordered airstrikes starting at 6 p.m. ET on July 18 to degrade Iran’s military capabilities. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the country has suspended all commitments to the agreement, stating the US violated its obligations first.

Hardliners target diplomats at Khamenei’s funeral

The political crisis intensified at the funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei last week. Mourners chanted “death to the compromiser” at President Masoud Pezeshkian, and a mob pelted Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s top diplomat who negotiated the ceasefire, with rocks while calling him a “traitorous sellout.” Religious singer Mohammad Ali Bakhshi warned Pezeshkian: “If the leader’s conditions are not fulfilled, then it will be us, the blade and your throat.”

The new Supreme Leader’s mysterious absence

Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader’s son and successor, has remained hidden from public view since taking office. He has not addressed the nation directly or visibly asserted authority. Iran expert Arash Azizi told CNN that Khamenei’s absence has fueled accusations among hardliners that Chief Negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Pezeshkian are consolidating power. Hardline lawmaker Mahmoud Nabavian posted on X days before the funeral: “Warning to the people of Iran: Is a coup on the way??”

What hardliners believe happened

Radical factions argue that Iran’s wartime leaders surrendered by signing an agreement that defies the new Supreme Leader’s orders. According to The Guardian, hardline members of Iran’s Paydari Front and conservative lawmakers mounted a campaign against the deal, arguing it did not guarantee sanctions relief or sufficient control over the Strait of Hormuz. Hardline MP Kamran Ghazanfari said the claim of victory was “a blatant lie.” Meysam Nili, managing director of Rajanews, described the agreement as “a catastrophic capitulation.”

Final Thoughts

The collapse of the US-Iran ceasefire has exposed deep fractures in Iran’s leadership. With the new Supreme Leader absent and hardliners accusing visible officials of a power grab, Iran faces internal instability even as military tensions with the US escalate.

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