IRGC Holds Iran’s Line as Talks Stall and Hezbollah Presses with Small-Scale Attacks

ISW-CTP’s Iran Update says negotiations with the US remain unlikely as the IRGC, led by Maj. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi, tightens control, sidelining civilian officials and keeping a hardline negotiating stance through mediators like Pakistan, Oman, and Russia. The US maintains a maritime blockade and expands sanctions (including Hengli Petrochemical and crypto assets), while Trump criticizes Iran’s leadership and cancels talks in Pakistan. Hezbollah continues smaller drone and rocket attacks from southern Lebanon and northern Israel to demonstrate threat capacity without triggering a major Israeli response. Iran’s economy faces worsening pressure amid sanctions and restricted exports, underscoring the broader Axis of Resistance posture and ongoing strategic stalemate.