On June 14, Iranian markets saw optimistic signals as Qatari mediators arrived in Tehran to push forward negotiations on a temporary deal with the United States. The rial strengthened, gold prices fell, and the Tehran stock exchange reached a new record high, reflecting expectations that a deal could ease pressure after more than 100 days of conflict.
However, domestic hardliners voiced strong opposition. Mohammad Mannan Raisi, a lawmaker from Qom, criticized the signing coinciding with the birthday of U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he called a 'murderer of the supreme leader.' Mahmoud Nabavian, an extremist scholar and lawmaker, appeared on state television with a draft of the agreement, arguing that Tehran was abandoning political and military gains achieved after months of war.
Pro-government supporters in Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad held rallies, waving banners and chanting slogans against the deal, targeting Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Some even vowed to oppose the agreement even if Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei approved it.
In this context, Hassan Khomeini, grandson of the late leader Ruhollah Khomeini, called for trust in the leadership structure and adherence to the final decision. The government newspaper Haft-e Sobh also republished an old interview with Mohammad Bagheri, former army chief of staff, emphasizing the need for compromise to protect the country.
On the other side, Israel continued to act as a counterweight. That afternoon, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, in a move seen as aimed at provoking a reaction from Iran and undermining the deal. Earlier, Iran had declared a new 'strategic doctrine' after launching missiles in response to Israel.
Meanwhile, Tehran residents remained skeptical. A young resident noted that food prices had tripled and would not fall even if a deal was signed, stressing that long-term issues would not be resolved.
