Washington DC [US], April 21 (ANI): A new assessment by the Institute for the Study of War has pointed to deepening divisions within Iran's leadership, as diplomatic tensions and military pressure between the United States and Iran continue to mount before the second round of Islamabad Talks.

The Washington DC-based think tank said, 'Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf appears to be engaged in a serious intra-regime debate with Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Commander Major General Ahmad Vahidi and other senior regime officials opposed to negotiations with the United States.'

The analysis highlighted a growing rift betweencand Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Commander Major General Ahmad Vahidi over the question of engaging Washington in talks.

The think tank further noted, 'Vahidi is reportedly the only Iranian official with direct access to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and is serving as a conduit for relaying key decisions to other regime officials, according to Israeli media on April 19.'

According to the post, Vahidi's proximity to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei underscored his growing influence within Iran's decision-making structure.

The think tank further mentioned, 'Israeli media also reported on April 19 that Iranian officials' inability to contact Mojtaba is a significant obstacle to continued US-Iran negotiations.'

'Ghalibaf's push for diplomacy and apparent effort to reach a deal may also be a bid to protect his domestic position and maintain credibility,' the think tank said.

It warned of potential political fallout, stating, 'Ghalibaf reportedly fears that both his and Araghchi's positions are at risk if the IRGC consolidates control.'

The analysis added that any leadership change would carry significant implications, noting, 'Ghalibaf's removal as the parliament speaker would represent a major defeat for Ghalibaf and his domestic positions and signify a victory for Vahidi.'

The think tank added that these developments align with its broader assessment of shifting power dynamics in Tehran.