CONFLICTED The Power Struggle Inside Iran
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Apr 21, 2026 A deep dive into why Pakistan-brokered Islamabad talks unraveled. Power struggles inside Tehran and an IRGC counter-coup shape Iran’s shifting demands. Plans to secure Iran’s uranium and U.S. concessions are examined. Regional incidents in the Gulf, seizures at sea, and Hezbollah’s maneuvers are discussed. Tensions over escalation risks and Gulf security run throughout the conversation.
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Pakistan To Hold Iran's Highly Enriched Uranium
- Islamabad talks were built around Pakistan overseeing extraction and custody of 460 kg of highly enriched uranium from Iran.
- Aimen says Pakistan would hold 45% from Fordow and 55% from Isfahan, a move that risks angering Israel and India.
US Proposal Included A Decade Long Enrichment Moratorium
- The US offered a moratorium on enrichment roughly 10 years, effectively 15 years when ramp-up time is considered.
- In return Iran would get about $27 billion in unfrozen assets and gradual sanction relief tied to de-escalation.
Ghalibaf Coup Was Reversed By IRGC Hardliners
- Aimen and intelligence reporting describe a failed soft coup by Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf to reposition Iran toward pragmatists.
- He was quickly countered by hardliner IRGC leader General Ahmad Vahidi, who now asserts control.