Signs of growing unease are emerging inside Iran’s leadership, with reports pointing to mounting distrust and internal friction as President Donald Trump’s pressure campaign intensifies.

According to senior Iran analyst Dror Balazada, the current strategy coming from Washington is having a destabilizing psychological impact on key figures in Tehran, creating suspicion and division at the highest levels of the regime.

One of the central concerns reportedly involves senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps figure Ahmad Vahidi, who has been unsettled by Trump’s public assertions that he is communicating directly with Iranian commanders. In response, Vahidi is said to have issued strict internal instructions limiting authorized communication channels, designating only parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf to relay messages through Pakistan.

At the same time, suspicion within the regime is reportedly turning toward former foreign minister Javad Zarif and elements of the reformist camp, amid fears that unauthorized backchannel communications may be taking place without official approval.

Zarif, according to the report, is advocating for a sweeping diplomatic arrangement with the United States. The proposal is said to include limits on Iran’s nuclear activity, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, full restoration of diplomatic ties with Washington, and the lifting of all sanctions in exchange for a firm commitment to halt military strikes.