Missiles or Civilians? The Fierce Dispute in Iran's Leadership

A dispute in Iran's leadership: the moderate camp demands allocating about $7 billion from oil sales to revive the economy and calm the public, which it identifies as the main threat to the regime. In contrast, the Revolutionary Guards demand investing the money in rebuilding missile systems, nuclear capabilities, and proxies – and settling for religious concessions.

A new dispute in the Iranian regime leadership, between leaders of the Revolutionary Guards and leaders of the moderate camp headed by President Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Araghchi. The moderate camp argues that the real threat is the Iranian people themselves, due to the energy crisis and economic situation, and demands allocating about $7 billion from oil sales to revive the economy and calm the public. In contrast, the Revolutionary Guards demand investing the money in rebuilding missile systems, nuclear capabilities, and proxies – and settling for religious concessions, as seen in a video from a café in Isfahan with less hijab and no morality police. The report was first published on Channel 14 News this evening (Tuesday, July 28, 2026).