Iran’s new president battles revolutionary guard to stop all-out war with Israel

During his election campaign, Mr Pezeshkian gained the support of Iranian liberals with a pledge to restore Iran’s international standing through diplomacy and dialogue.

“There have been lengthy and intense discussions where Mr Pezeshkian has been trying to persuade IRGC commanders to avoid actions that could spiral out of control,” said the second aide to Mr Pezeshkian who spoke to The Telegraph.

“He is aware that the IRGC aims to draw the country into a war, yet he is determined to uphold the promises he made during his presidential campaign which included providing peaceful life conditions for people.

“Using his influence within the leader’s office, he is working to prevent the IRGC from plunging Iran into war,” they added.

‘Worried about his own position’

An official within the IRGC told The Telegraph that commanders of the elite military force believe Mr Pezeshkian “is just worried about his own position, but few people in the IRGC listen to him”.

“The number one consideration is still striking Tel Aviv with Hezbollah and others at the same time,” the official said.

“There has been discussion within the forces on how to block Mr Pezeshkian’s efforts. Almost everyone believes what he is insisting on is not in the revolution’s reputation.”

According to the official, in one of the meetings this week, Esmail Qaani, the commander of the IRGC’s overseas Quds force said: “If we do not respond today, they will become even more rude next time.”

The IRGC added long-range missiles and drones to the force’s navy, official media reported on Friday

Iranian state TV said that “a large number of new anti-ship cruise missiles were added to the IRGC naval forces by the order of the Guards chief”.

The missiles “have new capabilities” with “high-explosive warheads and being untraceable”, the broadcaster added.

According to the report, a total of 2,654 military systems including long-range and medium-range missiles, drones for combat and reconnaissance, and electronic warfare units were added to the IRGC’s naval forces.