Iran hardens ceasefire demands: formal Hormuz control, compensation, no missile limits — IRGC driving stance

Reuters, confirming a Channel 12 report, cited three senior sources in Tehran that Iran's negotiating stance has hardened sharply since the war began. The Revolutionary Guards have exerted growing influence over the country's decision-making, reducing civilian political space. In any ceasefire talks with the US, Iran would demand: (1) an end to military operations; (2) formal control of the Strait of Hormuz — a demand described as likely a red line for President Trump; (3) compensation for wartime losses; (4) guarantees against future US-Israeli military action. Iran would also refuse to negotiate any limitations on its ballistic missile program — which was already a red line during pre-war talks. The hardened stance, combined with IRGC control over decision-making (now formalized through Zolghadr's SNSC appointment), makes an early ceasefire deal effectively impossible on current terms. Netanyahu's Israeli officials had already assessed to media that Iran won't accept US demands — these source disclosures confirm that assessment is correct.