Monday, April 20, 2026

Islamic Guard takes full control of Iran, sidelines moderates: analysts

Recent developments in Iran have seen the hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) take full control of the country's military and negotiation teams. This shift indicates a sidelining of more moderate leaders and an escalation in military actions.

1. IRGC Control: Maj. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi, the leader of the IRGC, has allegedly taken command of Tehran's military operations and diplomatic efforts, marking a significant shift towards a more hardline approach.

2. Sidelining Moderates: Moderate figures in Iran's government, such as Foreign Affairs Minister Abbas Araghchi, have been pushed aside. Araghchi had initially agreed to open the Strait of Hormuz for shipping, but was overruled by the IRGC, which insisted it remain closed amidst threats of a US blockade on Iranian ports.

3. Military Actions: The IRGC has engaged in military actions, including attacks on ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, further confirming its control and the ongoing closure of this vital shipping route.

4. Support from Key Allies: Vahidi's position has been strengthened by alliances with influential figures like Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. Zolghadr's involvement in the Iranian delegation to negotiations underscores the IRGC's influence.

5. Negotiation Stalemate: Iran has indicated that it will not participate in peace negotiations with the United States, despite a US delegation's plans to travel to Pakistan. This refusal reflects the current leadership's hardened stance and undermines previous claims that a more moderate regime was in power following a series of conflicts that resulted in significant casualties among Iranian officials.

6. Decision-Making Power: With Vahidi and the IRGC rising above figures like Araghchi, the moderates find their authority diminished, raising concerns about the future of US-Iran negotiations.

The IRGC's takeover signifies a crucial shift in Iran's political landscape, sidelining moderate leaders and increasing military assertiveness. As the situation evolves, the prospects for renewed negotiations with the US appear bleak, leaving much uncertainty regarding the potential for peace in the region. 

https://nypost.com/2026/04/19/world-news/islamic-guard-takes-full-control-of-iran-sidelines-moderates-analysts/

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