Negotiation Opponents Disrupt Memorial Ceremony of Former IRGC Commander

As protests against a potential agreement between the Islamic Republic and the United States continue, a memorial service in Hamedan for Ali Shadmani, a slain commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), turned into a scene of tension and verbal altercations over the ongoing negotiations.

Saberin News reported that on the evening of June 13, a group opposing the negotiation process with the U.S. used protest slogans to prevent speeches by Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesperson for the Islamic Republic’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Hamidreza Hajibabaei, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

It was also reported that the son of “Martyr Tangsiri,” who has been identified as a supporter of continuing the talks and reaching an agreement, was targeted with insults by some protesters during the event. According to eyewitnesses, when Ali Shadmani’s daughter approached Baghaei to offer words of comfort, she was also met with offensive language from some of those present. Ali Shadmani was a senior military commander of the Islamic Republic who was killed in July 2025 during the 12-Day War.

Context of Growing Tensions

These incidents are unfolding as similar rallies have been held in recent days across Tehran, Mashhad, and Qom against the potential pact with the United States. Protesters at these gatherings have declared their opposition to the talks by chanting slogans against Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and other supporters of the negotiations.

The wave of protests intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that an agreement between Tehran and Washington was close to being signed. In response, officials of the Islamic Republic have emphasized that what is currently under negotiation is merely a framework for continuing the talks and that a final agreement has not yet been reached.