The current situation in Tehran is characterized as a "complete paralysis" and extremely unstable. At the moment, there is no centralized authority in Iran with the power or ability to make key decisions.
The current situation in Tehran is assessed as a "complete paralysis" and extremely volatile. At the moment, there is no unified center in Iran capable of making decisions or possessing the necessary authority.
Against this backdrop of instability, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, announced his withdrawal from negotiations with the U.S., which were being conducted with the mediation of other states. This news was reported on Thursday, April 23, by the Israeli channel N12.
The reason for this step was the active interference of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This occurred after the Foreign Minister derailed the Qatari initiative aimed at stabilizing the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Journalists emphasize that Iran is on the brink of a severe crisis, unprecedented since the departure of Ayatollah Khomeini. The situation in Tehran continues to be characterized as a "complete paralysis" and extremely volatile.
This tension forced Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, who previously coordinated private negotiations with the U.S. and led dialogue in Pakistan, to take a radical step. He announced his complete withdrawal from the negotiation process.
The main reason for this decision was his categorical refusal to tolerate the increasing interference of IRGC generals. Among them, Ahmad Vahidi and Abbas Araghchi stand out.
According to N12, the IRGC generals are increasingly intervening in the process of making key decisions. This effectively deprives Ghalibaf of maneuvering space during delicate negotiations.
The "last straw" in this situation was the failure of the Qatari proposal. Qatar put forward an initiative for an agreement that would allow the free passage of 20 vessels from Iranian ports, permitted by the U.S.
In return, Iran was supposed to guarantee the safe passage of 20 vessels from Gulf countries through the Strait of Hormuz. However, this important initiative was derailed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Previously, Abbas Araghchi was considered an ally of Ghalibaf, but in this case, he supported the hardline position of the IRGC. Thus, he effectively blocked the achievement of this agreement.
At present, there is no unified center in Iran with the authority or capability to make important decisions. This exacerbates the overall instability in the country.
The day before, U.S. President Donald Trump had already stated that there was a serious rift within the Iranian government. In this regard, he announced the extension of the ceasefire regime.
However, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, for his part, categorically rejected this ceasefire. He stated that the continuation of the ceasefire and the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would only be possible on the condition of the complete lifting of the maritime blockade of Iran by the U.S.
