Trump claims infighting between "hardliners and moderates" in Iran

Washington DC [US], April 23 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Thursday claimed that there is internal division within Iran's leadership, alleging infighting between "hardliners" and "moderates" in the country's political and military establishment.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Iran was struggling to determine its leadership direction and suggested deep internal discord amid diplomatic engagements to find a comprehensive solution to the situation in West Asia. Trump described the infighting as "crazy".
"Iran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is! They just don't know! The infighting is between the 'Hardliners,' who have been losing BADLY on the battlefield, and the 'Moderates,' who are not very moderate at all (but gaining respect!), is CRAZY!" Trump wrote.
He further claimed that the United States maintains strategic control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route.
The US president also noted that the control will persist until a deal is reached with Iran.
"We have total control over the Strait of Hormuz. No ship can enter or leave without the approval of the United States Navy. It is 'Sealed up Tight,' until such time as Iran is able to make a DEAL!!!" he added.
The remarks come as tensions remain high between Washington and Tehran over regional security issues and Iran's nuclear programme.
Earlier on Wednesday, Iran strongly rejected the comment made by Trump in his ceasefire extension announcement, alleging that the Iranian leadership is "seriously fractured", accusing him of spreading falsehoods and engaging in propaganda.
Responding to the claim, Seyyed Mehdi Tabatabaei, Deputy of Communications and Information Dissemination in the office of the President of Iran, said that assertions of division among Iran's leadership are part of an "enemy's unplayed political and propaganda game."
In a post on X, Tabatabaei emphasised unity within the country, stating, "The line of discord and division among the country's highest officials is the enemy's unplayed political and propaganda game against Iran. The unity and consensus among the field, the street, and diplomacy these days is unprecedented and exemplary."
He further criticised the US, in a veiled reference, saying, "Instead of weaving lies, they should cease their breaches of promise, bullying, and deceit; the door to negotiation based on fairness, dignity, and rationality remains open."
The remarks came after Trump, in a post on Truth Social, claimed that divisions within Iran's leadership had prompted a request to delay potential military action against the country.
On Tuesday, Trump announced the extension of the ceasefire with Iran, citing the need to allow Tehran's leadership more time to formulate a unified proposal for negotiations. (ANI)