A viral claim circulating on social media alleges that Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has resigned due to a power struggle with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). However, fact-checking reveals that this claim is false. No official confirmation from Iranian authorities supports the resignation. The rumor appears to have originated from unverified sources and has been amplified by certain social media accounts.
Origin of the Viral Claim
The claim gained traction after a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram channels suggested that President Pezeshkian stepped down in protest against the IRGC's growing influence over the government. Some posts even claimed that he cited 'interference in state affairs' as the reason. However, no credible news outlets or official statements have corroborated this.
Official Response
Iran's government spokesman, Fatemeh Mohajerani, dismissed the rumors as 'baseless' and 'part of a psychological warfare campaign against the administration.' She confirmed that President Pezeshkian is performing his duties as usual and has not submitted any resignation. The IRGC also denied any conflict with the president, stating that such claims are 'fabricated to destabilize the country.'
Why the Claim Went Viral
The rumor likely spread due to ongoing tensions between Iran's elected government and the IRGC, which has significant economic and military power. Critics of the IRGC have often accused it of overstepping its constitutional role. However, there is no evidence that this has led to a resignation. Misinformation about Iranian politics is common, especially during times of domestic or international pressure.
Fact-Check Verdict
Multiple fact-checking organizations, including Reuters and AFP, have rated the claim as false. No resignation letter has been published, and President Pezeshkian has been seen attending official meetings and events as scheduled. The viral claim is a classic example of fake news designed to create confusion.
Conclusion
While the relationship between Iran's civilian government and the IRGC remains complex, the story of President Pezeshkian's resignation is completely unfounded. Readers are advised to rely on official sources for news about Iranian politics and to verify viral claims before sharing them.
