By Pishtaz | 2026-05-08

Rumors surrounding the resignation of Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf from Iran’s negotiating team expose intensifying fractures within the country’s embattled leadership structure.

Recent reports indicate Ghalibaf grew increasingly frustrated with entrenched power struggles, fueling speculation he either withdrew or was effectively pushed out.

The internal rift is closely tied to disputes involving hardline factions and the expanding influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Tensions also centered on Abbas Araghchi, whom senior officials reportedly accused of aligning too closely with IRGC leadership while sidelining civilian authority during negotiations.

These disputes extended to key diplomatic proposals, including regional initiatives aimed at easing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Multiple assessments indicate IRGC intervention, particularly under figures such as Ahmad Vahidi, decisively shaped outcomes while marginalizing more pragmatic negotiators.

Ghalibaf had previously warned that rigid resistance to engagement with the United States could seriously damage Iran’s long-term strategic interests.

However, the growing dominance of hardline factions suggests those warnings were ignored as ideological control tightened over policy decisions.

If confirmed, his exit would significantly damage prospects for near-term progress in US-Iran talks, which remain fragile and deeply contested.

Analysts increasingly assess that hardliners now dominate the Islamic Republic's diplomatic strategy, sharply reducing the likelihood of any immediate breakthrough agreement.

More broadly, the situation reflects deepening discord within the regime's political system, where rival factions continue struggling to consolidate authority and direction.

The expanding dominance of the IRGC in foreign policy highlights mounting obstacles facing pragmatic negotiators attempting to pursue any viable diplomatic resolution.