The IRGC Takeover: Tehran’s Shadow Leadership Hardens Stance as the "Ghost Ayatollah" Vanishes
As President Trump claims a deal with Iran is near, senior Tehran officials tell Reuters the IRGC has seized control of negotiations. With demands for war reparations and control of the Strait of Hormuz, the Epic Fury appears far from over.
As President Donald Trump touts "excellent negotiations" and broad agreements with Tehran, senior Iranian officials are painting a starkly different picture. According to a Reuters report citing three high-level sources in Tehran, the Iranian regime has significantly hardened its diplomatic stance, driven by the surging influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) over the country's decision-making process.
Tehran’s "Red Line" Demands
The IRGC’s increased control has led to a list of conditions that Washington currently views as non-starters. Iran is reportedly demanding:
The "Shadow" Leadership
The report highlights a deep sense of political uncertainty within the Iranian leadership. While Mojtaba Khamenei has been named the new Supreme Leader, he has yet to appear in a single video or photo since his appointment, fueling internal tension.
Should direct talks manifest, they are expected to be led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, but under the "tight supervision" of the IRGC.
The Diplomatic Gap: Trump vs. Reality
While Trump claims significant progress, Tehran has publicly denied any direct talks. Instead, Iranian sources confirm only "exploratory" discussions facilitated by Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt.