Tehran, Iran – At a sensitive time as the world awaits the outcome of the fragile truce, a senior US official revealed a significant rift and sharp division within the leadership hierarchy in Tehran. He also indicated that the lack of coordination between the political and military wings is jeopardizing the chances of reaching a final agreement with Washington.
Factional conflict and the isolation of the Supreme Leader
The American news website Axios quoted an official on Wednesday as saying that a deep rift separates diplomatic negotiators from the leadership of the Revolutionary Guard and the military. The source explained that the real crisis lies in the “breakdown of communication channels.” Neither of the currently conflicting sides has direct access to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to resolve outstanding issues. As a result, Iranian decision-making has been left paralyzed and confused.
Zulqadr and Larijani: The absence of political weight
The report highlighted the poor performance of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council under its current secretary, Mohammad Baqer Zolghadr. Axios reported that Zolghadr lacks the political weight and strategic agility of his predecessor, Ali Larijani. Observers believe Larijani held the key to a historical balance of power. For years, he successfully navigated the complex interplay between the ambitions of the Revolutionary Guard and the directives of the political leadership. However, Zolghadr is currently failing to do so, resulting in conflicting Iranian statements and positions during negotiations.
Trump’s strategy: Peace conditioned by strength
On the American side, the website quoted a source close to President Donald Trump as saying that he is adopting a “long-term” strategy to end the war, but will not hesitate to return to the military option if Tehran does not demonstrate seriousness in the negotiations. The source emphasized that Trump will not use force or resume hostilities until “all possible diplomatic and political options have been exhausted.” Furthermore, these leaks come after statements made by Trump on Monday, April 13, 2026, in which he expressed cautious optimism about reaching an agreement. He also indicated agreement on some points, while subtly warning that failure to reach an agreement “would not be a happy thing” for Tehran.
The major nuclear obstacle
Despite talk of “partial progress,” informed sources confirm that the core technical issues of the conflict remain the major stumbling block; Tehran refuses to make crucial concessions regarding uranium enrichment levels and the fate of its current stockpile. Washington considers this a prerequisite for lifting the financial and maritime embargo. This internal Iranian division, between the Revolutionary Guard generals who refuse to compromise on the nuclear program and the negotiators who are striving to salvage the collapsing economy, presents the region with two possibilities: either a sudden diplomatic breakthrough or a return to the drums of war as soon as the truce expires.
