The story: Former Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (2013-21) has once again made headlines over a leaked audio recording. In a reversal of dynamics compared to a similar controversy in 2021, however, his comments have this time been welcomed by conservatives and criticized by Reformists.

In a session with students at Tehran University, Zarif is heard charging that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei set out to sideline Reformists after sensing that they sought to remove the position of supreme leader. The seasoned diplomat is also heard alleging that senior figures affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) played a key role in shaping the outcome of the...