Divergent Tones Between President Pezeshkian and IRGC Over Strait of Hormuz

Tehran – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has described the current climate as the "best time to reach an agreement," even as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) maintains that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States accepts Tehran's demands. While these positions differ in tone and priority, they do not necessarily indicate a fundamental split in Iran's governing structure. Pezeshkian argues that internal unity provides a strategic opportunity to pursue Iran's rights through dialogue, asserting that issues cannot be resolved by war alone. He maintains that his government is committed to peace based on previous understandings, emphasising that Iran will act reciprocally and will not accept dictates from the US. He further suggested that if Iran can secure its rights through talks, the continuation of military action serves little purpose, particularly as he claims Israel is the party pushing for war. According to Pezeshkian, a potential deal involves lifting blockades, releasing frozen assets, and easing sanctions in exchange for allowing vessel passage under Iranian-defined rules. He noted that Tehran’s compliance remains contingent on Washington’s adherence to these terms. Conversely, IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi has adopted a more rigid stance, stating the waterway will only reopen once the US meets Iran's conditions. He distinguished the reopening from ongoing talks with Oman, suggesting that technical agreements on shipping routes are insufficient on their own. The IRGC has previously warned that it will not allow foreign interference in the Strait and has threatened a "harsh response" to countries assisting the US. Former Supreme National Security Council secretary Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, prior to his resignation on Sunday, outlined broader demands including an end to maritime blockades, the release of assets, and war reparations, while linking the Strait's status to the cessation of attacks on Iran and its regional allies. Following Zolghadr's move to a political advisory role, former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei has been appointed to the Council. While this shift increases the military's influence, final authority remains with the Supreme Leader. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has sought to bridge these views, stating that while technical talks with Oman regarding shipping routes are nearing completion, direct negotiations with the US will not commence while Washington violates previous understandings. The core dispute appears to be one of sequencing: whether the Strait should open before or after US concessions, or if actions should be simultaneous. Under Iran's constitution, the President chairs the Supreme National Security Council, but all major security and military decisions require the final approval of the Supreme Leader.