Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian is reportedly clashing with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) chief Ahmad Vahidi over the economic and social impact of the war with the United States and Israel, Iran International reported on Saturday, citing Iranian sources.
According to the London-based Iranian opposition outlet, Pezeshkian criticized the IRGC's approach of increasing tensions in the region and attacking neighbouring countries, warning of the long-term effects that these movements could cause on the Iranian economy.
The report also mentioned that Pezeshkian has been demanding that executive decisions regarding the war be made by the Iranian government rather than the IRGC, a demand Vahidi did not accept.
In response, the IRGC criticized Pezeshkian's inability to implement structural reforms in the Islamic Republic to address several problems within the system before the current war began.
Iran risks renewed protests as citizens reach 'breaking point'
The report comes as Iran’s already dying economy keeps being pushed toward full collapse after several weeks of war.
Food prices are rising not only day by day, but hour by hour, with some staples increasing by at least 50 percent compared to pre-war levels.
At the same time, the disruption of internet access has halted many services. Factories and production facilities are facing acute shortages of raw materials, and the country’s administrative system has been severely impaired.
According to figures cited by state-affiliated institutions and some economists, more than 40% of the population now lives below the absolute poverty line, with that figure exceeding 50% in the capital.
Iran International reported, citing messages from several government employees, that the salaries and benefits of a large segment of employees have not been paid regularly over the past three months.
Omid Habibinia/The Media Line contributed to this report.
