Two prominent Iranian hardline lawmakers have been removed from senior positions on parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee after reportedly opposing negotiations with the United States.

Ebrahim Rezaei was removed as the committee’s spokesman, while Mahmoud Nabavian was ousted as deputy chairman. Iranian state media published the committee’s new leadership on July 14, one day after parliament resumed work following a four-month recess.

According to opposition outlet Iran International, the move is being viewed as a signal that parliament wants the committee to adopt a more balanced approach and support negotiations with Washington. Both Rezaei and Nabavian had been among the most vocal opponents of talks with the U.S.

Despite losing his leadership role, Rezaei has continued issuing hardline statements. In recent posts on X, he warned that any future conflict would bring a “comprehensive and surprising” Iranian response, threatened attacks on U.S. bases, suggested Iran could reconsider its nuclear doctrine and withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and declared that “no American soldier would return alive” if the U.S. attacked Iran.

Nabavian has likewise continued criticizing engagement with Washington, arguing that previous negotiations brought Iran only “broken promises, deception, and gains for the enemy.” He has also publicly criticized senior Iranian officials involved in diplomacy and vowed to oppose efforts to sideline hardline figures.

The committee’s leadership otherwise remained largely intact, with Ebrahim Azizi retaining his position as chairman. Hassan Kashkavi was appointed the committee’s new spokesman, replacing Rezaei.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)