Power Struggle Between IRGC and Civil Political Government in Iran on US-Iran Talks Reaches Unprecedented Levels

Tehran/Islamabad, April 20, 2026 - A deepening power struggle between Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the civilian political leadership has intensified dramatically, severely complicating efforts to negotiate with the United States and creating contradictory signals on key issues such as the Strait of Hormuz.

The tensions, which have simmered for years, have reached unprecedented levels following the fragile ceasefire and the collapse of the first round of direct US-Iran talks in Islamabad. While Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the civilian government signaled openness to further negotiations and briefly confirmed the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial vessels, the IRGC quickly reversed course.

On April 18, IRGC-affiliated media and military spokesmen declared that Iran had not agreed to a second round of talks due to "excessive" US demands. The IRGC Navy also reimposed restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, attacking or turning back several vessels and effectively reversing the Foreign Ministry's earlier announcement. This created widespread confusion in global shipping and energy markets.

Analysts and Western intelligence assessments indicate that IRGC Commander Major General Ahmad Vahidi and hardline elements have gained significant influence over both military operations and the negotiating stance. The IRGC is reportedly sidelining moderate voices within President Masoud Pezeshkian's administration and the Foreign Ministry, blocking certain decisions and asserting control over strategic files, including the nuclear program, regional proxies, and the Hormuz file.

The power struggle stems in part from the power vacuum created after the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei earlier in the conflict. With factions competing for dominance, the IRGC - which controls vast economic and security resources - appears to be consolidating authority, viewing diplomatic concessions to the US as a threat to its influence.

Pakistan, which has been mediating the talks, faces growing challenges as it receives mixed messages from Tehran. US President Donald Trump has publicly noted the internal divisions, while continuing to push for a deal before the current ceasefire expires.

Experts warn that if the IRGC continues to dominate the decision-making process, prospects for a comprehensive US-Iran agreement could diminish rapidly, raising the risk of renewed escalation in the Gulf and beyond.