Against the backdrop of the increasing influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran has radically changed its position in negotiations with the United States. According to The Wall Street Journal, Tehran has put forward a number of demands that Western officials consider unlikely to be met.
One of the main demands from the Iranian side is the complete withdrawal of all American military forces and the closure of US bases in the Persian Gulf. Additionally, Iran insists on a new shipping order in the Strait of Hormuz, including the right to charge fees from passing vessels, similar to what is done in the Suez Canal.
Among other demands, Iran is seeking multi-billion dollar compensations for damages and legal guarantees to exclude the possibility of renewed conflict. The ultimatum also includes a demand to stop Israeli attacks on "Hezbollah" in Lebanon. The Iranian side insists that discussions on limitations of its missile program are impossible and demands the immediate lifting of all international sanctions.
American officials commented to The Wall Street Journal that such requests make the possibility of reaching an agreement extremely unlikely. Additional complications arise from the fact that Washington's proposals differ significantly from Tehran's positions. The US plan, consisting of 15 points, includes the complete dismantling of Iran's nuclear developments, cessation of funding for regional proxy groups, and strict limitations on the missile capabilities of the Islamic Republic.
Experts emphasize that the position of the IRGC within the Iranian leadership hinders the search for compromise solutions that were discussed before the active phase of the conflict began.
