**Anticipation, pushback in Iran as mediators work to finalise deal with US**

Iran and the United States are reportedly nearing an interim understanding, potentially offering significant relief after over 100 days of hostilities. As Qatari mediators arrived in Tehran on Sunday to advance talks, the prospect of a deal has spurred anticipation in Iranian markets. However, it also faces fierce, last-minute pushback from hardliners within Iran and apparent attempts at disruption from Israel.

Iranian markets have responded positively to the nearing agreement. The national currency, the rial, strengthened notably on Sunday, trading below 1.68 million rials to the US dollar – an improvement from its all-time low of 1.9 million last month. Gold prices also dropped by about five percent. The Tehran Stock Exchange continued its growth, reaching a new all-time high of nearly 4.82 million points, signaling investor confidence. Public skepticism persists regarding the deal's ability to address long-standing economic woes.

Inside Iran, a vocal hardline faction actively resists significant concessions. Fars news, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), suggested officials were unlikely to sign on Sunday, pointing to it being US President Donald Trump's birthday. Mohammad Mannan Raisi, an anti-deal member of parliament, publicly challenged officials, stating, "It is the birthday of the murderer of our supreme leader; have some honour." This sentiment gained strength after the killing of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28. Ultra-hardline lawmaker Mahmoud Nabavian, a prominent opponent, claims the understanding sacrifices political and military gains from months of conflict.

The negotiations have been further complicated by external factors, including an Israeli attack on Beirut, widely seen as an attempt to derail the agreement. Domestically, the debate has reignited questions about Iran's intricate power structure, where final decisions require approval from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and the Supreme National Security Council. Some hardline supporters have even declared they would oppose the agreement even if the Supreme Leader assents, highlighting a significant internal challenge to leadership authority.

Amidst this internal dissent, influential voices are urging unity. Hassan Khomeini, grandson of the Islamic Revolution's founder, called on pro-state factions to trust the top leadership. He stated that while advisory opinions are welcome, "once the final decision is made, it must be followed." A government-run daily, Haft-e Sobh, also underscored the importance of compromise by re-posting an old interview with Mohammad Bagheri, the assassinated chief of staff of the armed forces, who had advocated for negotiations during the Iran-Iraq war. This move reminds the public of the historical necessity of strategic concessions.

As Qatari mediators continue their efforts, the coming days will be pivotal. The outcome of these high-stakes negotiations will determine not only the immediate future of US-Iran relations and regional stability but also critically test the cohesion of Iran's internal political establishment. Whether the anticipation for economic relief can overcome hardline resistance and external pressures remains the central question, with the potential for a breakthrough after months of turmoil.