Are Iran’s Hardliners Unhappy With The US Ceasefire? Here’s Why Tensions Are Rising

Just days ago, a large banner in Tehran struck a defiant note. Placed at one of the city’s busiest intersections, it read, “The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed.” The message was seen as a reflection of the stance of Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared in public since taking over in March 2026.

But things have shifted quickly since then. Iran has now agreed to a two-week ceasefire with the US and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz at Pakistan’s request. And this makes the message seem out of sync with the current reality.

Shift In Position

Iran’s decision marks a clear departure from its earlier stance:

• Tehran had repeatedly ruled out any temporary ceasefire
• It had instead demanded a permanent end to the US-Israeli war
• The Strait of Hormuz had been used as a strategic pressure point

Now, under mediation led by Pakistan, Iran has agreed to both a pause in hostilities and the reopening of the global trade route.

Anger Grows Among Hardliners

Hardliners are not happy. According to a BBC report, they believe Iran had the upper hand, especially after showing it could shut the Strait of Hormuz and strike the Gulf with missiles and drones. Reports say protesters burned US and Israeli flags after the ceasefire was announced. The editor of the hardline newspaper Kayhan called the ceasefire “a gift to the enemy,” saying it would give them time to restock and continue the war.

Decision-Making Behind The Deal

The call was taken by Iran’s top decision-making body:

• The Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, approved the move after a request from Pakistan
• It agreed to allow safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks in return for a ceasefire while talks go on
• China is believed to have played a significant role in pushing Iran to accept the proposal

Change In Iran’s Approach

Perhaps the most striking shift lies in diplomacy. Iran is now preparing for talks with the United States in Islamabad. This would have been unthinkable under the leadership of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed at the outset of the war. Talks are set to take place with US Vice President JD Vance.

Future Uncertain?

Despite the ceasefire, the situation remains volatile:

• The agreement is temporary, lasting just two weeks
• Talks between Washington and Tehran are still ongoing
• A breakdown in negotiations could see the war resume

Some hardliners may want the war to resume, seeing it as a way to bring down what they call a vile regime. For many others, though, the ceasefire brings much-needed relief from the death and destruction around them. This relief comes after weeks of heavy fighting, with the war now stretching into its second month. Iran has taken a heavy hit, and more than 3,000 people have reportedly been killed.

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