Al Jazeera
centerREPORTWho is calling the shots in Iran amid the deadly war with the US?

Full BriefGenerated 25d ago
What Happened
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has asserted control over maritime transit in the Strait of Hormuz, mandating that vessels utilize northern routes through Iranian territorial waters rather than southern paths near Oman. This directive has resulted in multiple attacks on tankers and cargo ships throughout the month. While the United States government has characterized the Iranian leadership as fragmented following the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Iranian officials maintain a unified stance on the necessity of controlling the strait as a strategic asset.
Key Actors
- ·IRGC(Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps)The organization is leading military operations in the Strait of Hormuz and maintaining a hardline stance against US-led maritime transit policies.
- ·Masoud Pezeshkian(President of Iran)He has publicly affirmed his alignment with military commanders and rejected claims of internal division within the Iranian state.
- ·Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf(Speaker of Parliament and Chief Negotiator)He is navigating the political landscape to manage negotiations while balancing his background as a former IRGC commander with his current diplomatic mandate.
- ·United States(Counterparty state)The administration has challenged Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz and questioned the coherence of the Iranian leadership structure.
Why It Matters
The consolidation of power by the IRGC and the militarization of the Strait of Hormuz represent a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States. By enforcing specific transit routes and engaging in kinetic actions against commercial shipping, Iran is leveraging its geographic position to exert pressure on international maritime trade and challenge the existing sanctions architecture.
Watch For
Monitor the outcomes of ongoing diplomatic efforts in Oman regarding the proposed third transit route for vessels. Additionally, observe the internal political dynamics between the Iranian parliament, the Paydari Front, and the government of Masoud Pezeshkian as they navigate potential negotiations with the United States.
Generated 25d ago · Based on full articleAuto-Compiled
This page aggregates and summarizes reporting from Al Jazeera. The Conflict Pulse does not author original reporting. Read the original source for full coverage.
CONFLICT OVERVIEW
Iran
Latest verified updates on Iran’s regional confrontation, U.S.–Israeli strikes, missile retaliation, proxy networks, sanctions, and Strait of Hormuz risks.
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