Iran's Revolutionary Guards Tighten Control Amid Leadership Struggles, Complicating US Negotiations

As the United States seeks to reach an agreement with Iran, internal dynamics within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are complicating the situation. While mediators from Qatar and Pakistan actively work to revive diplomatic talks, there are few signs of substantive negotiations underway. Official sources now fear that the IRGC has consolidated its grip on decision-making, leaving the political figures the US has engaged with as nominal leaders only.

Adding to the complexity is a power struggle among a small group of senior IRGC commanders vying for control. This internal conflict is a key reason why American officials and regional partners worry that the conflict with Iran may persist. Over the weekend at the White House, President Donald Trump alluded to these divisions, noting that recent Iranian attacks on US positions were carried out by a different faction than the one in contact with US officials. "They have already apologized," Trump said, expressing frustration over the difficulty in identifying who truly makes decisions in Iran and doubting the prospects for a deal.

Despite these challenges, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law, remain optimistic that a deal with Iran is still achievable. The ongoing internal IRGC power struggle and the fragmented leadership complicate diplomatic efforts and raise concerns about the conflict's duration.