ALBAWABA - Speculations over a possible divide inside the Iranian regime increased in the past few days, especially after Hassan Khomeini's call for a deal with the United States to end the ongoing conflict.
Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of the first Iranian supreme leader Ruhollah Khomeini, is a prominent Iranian politician and cleric. He called on the Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) to strike an agreement with Washington.
He also hailed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran, saying it is a major "victory" for the Islamic Republic.
The cleric added that in order to sustain this victory, Iranians "must stay away from pointless disputes, disputes that are the product of ego and self-centeredness".
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian (L), accompanied by Hassan Khomeini (R), the grandson of late supreme leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and cabinet members, visit the tomb of Khomeini in Tehran on January 31, 2026. AFP PHOTO / IRANIAN PRESIDENCY
The "greater jihad" would now start, he vowed. It is worth noting that the term "greater jihad" refers to the internal, spiritual struggle; meanwhile, the "lesser jihad" usually means armed conflict.
The statements made by Hassan Khomeini sparked wide debate about whether there was a major crack within the Iranian regime, especially with the absence of the current supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who was injured in the February attack that killed his father, Ali Khamenei, and other members of his family.
On the other hand, Iran is refusing to make concessions and agree to a final deal to competely end the war with the U.S. unless all its conditions are fulfilled.
Hassan Khomeini has served as the custodian of the Mausoleum of Khomeini since 1995. He is a member of the Khomeini family; he is the grandson of the first Iranian supreme leader, Ruhollah Khomeini.
