IRGC Seizes de Facto Control of Iran

Iran's IRGC has effectively taken over the Iranian state on Day 33, according to Iran International sources. A military council of senior IRGC commanders is now making all daily decisions, blocking the elected president Pezeshkian from reaching Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and vetoing his appointments. Mojtaba — who was named Supreme Leader after his father Ali Khamenei was killed on the war's first day — has not been seen or heard from publicly since. Trump described him as 'critical'; Hegseth as 'disfigured'; the latest intelligence suggests he is in a coma. The IRGC's seizure of the state explains the contradiction between Araghchi's ceasefire denials and Trump's claims of 'productive talks with more moderate' Iranian leaders — it is the IRGC, not the civilian government, that is making Iran's war decisions.

Key facts

• •IRGC military council taking all daily decisions in Iran (Iran International, April 1)
• •Pezeshkian in 'complete political deadlock' — IRGC blocking appointments and meetings
• •Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly in coma — not seen since being named Supreme Leader
• •IRGC blocked Pezeshkian's intel minister appointment; no president-Mojtaba contact in days
• •Explains disconnect: Araghchi denies talks while Trump claims 'moderate' Iranian leaders negotiating