Month: August 2026

Iran Update Special Report, August 3, 2026: Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei may be trying to reduce President Masoud Pezeshkian and other “pragmatist” officials’ ability to influence the regime’s approach toward the United States in the current conflict. Senior cleric Mohammad Bagher Kharrazi, who has familial ties to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, claimed on August 3 that Mojtaba formally warned Pezeshkian that he would accept Pezeshkian’s resignation if Pezeshkian tried to resign again. Mojtaba may have made this warning to prevent Pezeshkian from using the threat of his resignation to influence regime policies.

Other Key Takeaways:
Kharrazi’s comments come as a contingent of “pragmatist” regime officials has directly and indirectly questioned how much effort the regime should exert to control the Strait of Hormuz. Former Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who played a central role in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) negotiations, warned on August 3 that a prolonged closure or “short-term exploitation” of the Strait of Hormuz could generate an international consensus against Iran, including from the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) faction that currently appears to be dominating regime decision-making has likely not diverged from its maximalist positions and will likely maintain these positions in reported upcoming talks with the United States, however. Supreme Leader Military Adviser Major General Mohsen Rezaei, whom ISW-CTP assesses is part of the IRGC faction controlling regime decision-making, stated on August 3 that Iran will not allow the use of a second corridor in the strait “under any circumstances.”

The IRGC continued to use force to assert Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz on August 2, which reflects the IRGC’s unwillingness to compromise on its control over the waterway. United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on August 2 that an explosion occurred near a civilian vessel off the coast of Oman.

Mojtaba may be trying to increase his influence over key regime institutions, including the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC). Kharrazi claimed that Mojtaba wants to replace Vahidi-appointed SNSC Secretary Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr with one of his military advisers, former IRGC Commander Major General Mohsen Rezaei. Iranian outlet Tabnak, which is affiliated with Rezaei, notably circulated Kharrazi’s claim. (1/2)

Historic Setting: Domnacht aan de gracht in Utrecht offers a recently renovated aparthotel housed in a historic building. The property features a terrace and free WiFi, providing a comfortable and unique stay.

一个前美国同事打视频问我斩杀线的事，他足足笑了半个小时，那整整30分钟，我就自卑得像个精神病。然后他笑出了呼吸性碱中毒，进医院，被医生怒收了5万块，现在被斩杀了。