Iran’s president slams IRGC, warns economy on verge of collapse – report

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian butts heads with IRGC chief Ahmad Vahidi over handling of the war; Pezeshkian warns Iran’s economy could collapse in weeks.

By World Israel News Staff

Iran’s civil and military leaders are reportedly clashing over the handling of the war, according to an Iran International report citing sources familiar with the dispute.

The sources say that there is a growing rift between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Ahmad Vahidi regarding the regime’s future as the war with the United States and Israel enters its second month.

Pezeshkian has reportedly warned that continued escalation and attacks on neighboring countries could push Iran’s economy toward collapse within three to four weeks if no ceasefire is reached.

The sources cited in the report also said that Pezeshkian criticized the Revolutionary Guards’ approach and pressed for greater authority to be returned to the civilian administration.

Vahidi is said to have rejected Pezeshkian’s call for the IRGC to give greater control to civil authorities, while blaming the Iranian government for failing to carry out structural reforms before the war broke out.

This is not the first time Pezeshkian has publicly signaled his concern over the stability of the regime.

In a March 7 video message, he apologized for what he described as “fire at will” attacks by Iran’s armed forces on neighboring countries and said such strikes should stop.

According to the report, Iran’s economy – which was already under heavy strain prior to the outbreak of the war – is showing signs of continued decline, with disruptions at ATMs and online banking systems.

The government has failed to pay the salaries of many state employees, some of whom have not received their wages in three months, while inflation continues to run at triple-digit levels.

In their recent talks, Pezeshkian has warned Vahidi that unless Iran secures a ceasefire in the near future, the country’s economy could face a total collapse in the next three to four weeks.