Iran's IRGC Seizes Military, Diplomatic Control

Over the weekend, Iran's hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) effectively seized control of the nation's military and diplomatic apparatus, sidelining moderate figures like Foreign Affairs Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament leader Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. IRGC Commander Maj. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi, with the crucial support of Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, has consolidated power, leading to a more aggressive stance in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil chokepoint. Iran has targeted at least three vessels in the strait, leaving hundreds of ships stranded and reinforcing a strict blockade. This power shift has also led to Tehran bypassing scheduled peace negotiations with the United States, undermining previous diplomatic efforts by the Trump administration. The IRGC's influence now extends directly into diplomatic spheres, with Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr ensuring compliance with IRGC and Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei's mandates. This internal dissent and power struggle have significantly hampered any meaningful engagement with the West, as moderate figures lack the authority to shape decision-making. The developments challenge Washington's assertions of dealing with a reformed Iranian regime, raising concerns about regional stability and the fragile ceasefire.