Media: Iranian reformists pushed for Khamenei’s exit in emergency talks

Iranian reformists, long regarded as a stabilising force within the Islamic Republic, privately called on Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to step down — a move that crossed a long-standing red line by challenging the regime’s highest authority, Euractiv has learned.

According to sources familiar with the matter, leaders of the Reform Front, a coalition of reformist parties and organisations, held an emergency meeting on January 11. The gathering was chaired by Azar Mansouri, a leading reformist figure and head of the Union of Islamic Iran People Party.

The meeting took place at the headquarters of the Islamic Association Party of the Iranian Medical Society and was dominated by intense discussions over the authorities’ violent suppression of protests. Some estimates suggest the crackdown may have resulted in up to 30,000 deaths.

By the end of the session, senior reformist figures agreed on an unprecedented course of action: preparing a public statement urging Khamenei to give up power, resign from his post and supervise the formation of a transitional governing council to replace him.

Sources briefed on the talks said Mansouri was assigned to press the supreme leader to hand over authority to a “temporary transitional council” and to call on senior officials to step down. The group also considered organising a protest rally just four days after nationwide demonstrations had reached their peak.

However, the initiative was never carried out. Iranian authorities became aware of the planned statement and, according to participants, issued harsh threats against reformist leaders, effectively blocking its release. Since then, fears have intensified regarding the safety of senior figures in the movement, particularly Mansouri.

Iranian media later reported that Mansouri spoke of an apparent assassination attempt. During a visit to her countryside home, she and her family reportedly discovered that a heating pipe had been sealed with new insulation — a situation she said could have led to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

If verified, the incident would signal a significant escalation by the authorities against the reformist camp, which until now has largely served as a political stabiliser for the Islamic Republic. Sources also said the faction led by Mansouri has distanced itself from President Masoud Pezeshkian, despite his earlier ties to reformist circles.

Reformist leaders have reportedly demanded that Pezeshkian, along with Khamenei, face legal accountability in court.

A break with the reformist bloc would strip the regime of a crucial political buffer that has historically absorbed public anger without directly challenging the system’s foundations. An open rebellion by these forces could further weaken Iran’s leadership at a sensitive moment, as a US carrier strike group positions itself within striking range.

By Tamilla Hasanova