Overview
- On Tuesday President Masoud Pezeshkian published a pre-recorded multi-part interview saying he will not resign and that any departure would be announced formally.
- Pezeshkian told state media that contacting Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is "very difficult" at the moment while stressing that the leader remains a source of strength.
- Iran International reported a brief, secretive meeting in which Pezeshkian met a man presented as Mojtaba in a dark, heavily tinted vehicle, an account the president's office calls baseless.
- Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared in verified video or audio since his March succession, a vacuum rivals are using to invoke his authority and press political claims.
- Experts warn the leadership opacity is amplifying intra-regime competition and could shape Iran's wartime decisions, diplomatic talks and economic pressures that affect ordinary citizens.