Iran's New Leadership Navigates Conflicting Demands for Revenge and Economic Relief

Khamenei's funeral crowds demanded US retaliation while Iran's new leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, quietly pursued sanctions relief talks. A government official framed revenge calls as partly ceremonial, though hardline factions genuinely oppose accommodation. The paradox: Iran's regime needs American hostility to justify its rule, yet depends on sanctions relief to survive economically.