After Khamenei's burial, the internal conflict between Iran's pro-peace and pro-war factions intensified instantly.
Public sentiment demanded revenge for the leader assassinated by Trump, while foreign ministry officials advocated seeking peace through negotiations.
Negotiation does not equal capitulation.
Intense debate erupted within Iran over fundamental issues: whether to negotiate, whom to negotiate with, and how to conduct negotiations.
Jalili, who previously served as Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (the position held by Larijani before his passing, see Figure 2), nuclear negotiator, Deputy Foreign Minister overseeing Western and European affairs, and later a member of the Determination of National Interests Commission, sought legal justification for retaliation.
He stated, "For those concerned about international law, Iran's national response to the assassination of its Imam (Khamenei) is not merely about defending national rights—it is also about upholding the sovereignty rights of all nations when faced with aggression. Such retaliation represents the greatest service to international law."
Jalili did not precisely define "retaliation," which could include war—hot war, economic warfare, attacks on energy facilities, cyber warfare, or other forms of action.
The old leader has departed; it is now time for the younger generation of leaders to assert their authority.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870399825477833/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.