Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz as IRGC Seizes Internal Power

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has effectively seized control of Iran's military and diplomatic strategy, sidelining moderate officials and establishing a hardline posture. This internal power shift occurred while Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei remained out of public view due to airstrike injuries. IRGC Commander Ahmad Vahidi and Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr have marginalized figures like Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, leading Iran to refuse scheduled peace talks in Pakistan.

Maritime tensions escalated after the United States imposed a naval blockade on April 13, violating a ceasefire announced by President Donald Trump on April 8. In response, the IRGC closed the Strait of Hormuz on April 18 and again on April 20, warning that approaching vessels would be targeted. On April 19, the USS Spruance disabled and U.S. Marines seized the Iranian cargo ship TOUSKA in the Gulf of Oman, an action Donald Trump claimed was necessary and successful. Iran retaliated with drone strikes on U.S. military ships and intercepted oil tankers from Botswana and Angola.

As the ceasefire deadline of April 22 approaches, Iran's Supreme National Security Council is reviewing U.S. proposals delivered via Pakistani mediator Asim Munir, though officials maintain they will not compromise. First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref warned that security in the strait is not free while oil exports are restricted. Meanwhile, General Seyyed Majid Mousavi claimed Iran is replenishing missiles faster than its pre-war pace, while Donald Trump threatened to resume bombing if no agreement is reached.