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IRGC Takes Control of Iran's Diplomacy and Military, Report Says
IRGC commanders have sidelined civilian leaders and warned U.S. Navy ships could be targeted as hundreds of vessels remain stranded, analysts said.
- On Sunday, April 19, 2026, the Institute for the Study of War reported that IRGC Commander Major General Ahmad Vahidi and his inner circle have assumed dominant control over Iran's military operations and diplomatic stance, effectively sidelining pragmatic civilian officials.
- Internal friction surfaced after Supreme National Security Council Secretary Brigadier General Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr complained that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi "surpassed his mandate" by showing flexibility regarding Iran's support for the Axis of Resistance.
- Tensions escalated as Iran targeted at least three ships in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing 23 vessels to turn back since April 18, while CENTCOM reported additional interceptions in the preceding 24 hours, severing economic lifelines.
- IRGC-Affiliated media outlets announced Iran would cease negotiations with Washington, citing "excessive" U.S. demands, prompting senior leaders in Tehran—including Hossein Taeb—to recall the negotiating delegation due to Zolghadr's anger.
- With the fragile ceasefire facing potential expiration on April 22, the power shift leaves Iranian political negotiators without independent authority to shape policy, significantly limiting prospects for engagement with the West.
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16 Articles
Iran's Foreign Minister, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, had agreed to open the sea route, but the IRGC later rescinded this decision. This situation is politically and strategically significant, as the sea route is considered vital for navigation for many countries. This decision by the IRGC could increase regional tensions and impact Iran's foreign policy.
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Iran's Hormuz whiplash highlights divide within regime as U.S. blockade tightens. 'The fight between different factions has started'
The Institute for the Study of War said in a note on Friday that the IRGC’s criticism of Araghchi is "reflective of broader divisions within the Iranian regime."
The confusion surrounding the Middle East War is once again the protagonist of the conflict. Between threats from both sides and contradictory messages from Tehran, which seem to indicate the lack of a single command, the Ayatollás hinted that they would not send a delegation to negotiate with the team led by JD Vance to Pakistan. A situation that became even more complicated after the capture of an Iranian freighter trying to dodge the blockade…
IRGC takes control of Iranian military and diplomatic leadership, calling shots on truce with US: Report
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has taken effective control of the country's military and diplomatic decisions, sidelining moderate leaders. Commanders led by Ahmad Vahidi, with support from Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, are now driving policy.
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