U.S. Officials Report Division in Iran Over Negotiations with United States
U.S. officials told CNN there is a division in Iran over negotiations with the United States, raising doubts about who can sign a deal and complicating prospects for future talks.
U.S. Officials Describe Internal Split in Tehran
U.S. officials speaking to CNN said members of the Trump administration believe a clear division exists in Iran over engagement with Washington. The split is described as between a negotiating team led by parliament and the foreign ministry on one side and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on the other. That division in Iran over negotiations could determine whether any agreement negotiated in future rounds is ratified or shelved.
Key Iranian Figures Cited by Sources
Sources identified Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of parliament, and Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as leading the negotiating faction. The officials said the Revolutionary Guard is viewed as the more hardline force resistant to concessions. The contrast between those camps underscores competing centers of influence inside Iran’s political system.
Uncertainty Over Final Signing Authority
Officials warned the split creates uncertainty over who would have the authority to sign a binding accord. If Tehran’s negotiating team reaches terms, the Revolutionary Guard’s opposition could prevent ratification or implementation. That ambiguity complicates U.S. planning for any further rounds of diplomacy.
Public Statements by President Trump and Their Effect
Some U.S. officials conceded that President Trump’s public comments and social media posts harmed the sensitive talks. They argued that Iranian negotiators were alarmed by public portrayals that suggested Tehran had already agreed to unpopular terms. According to one source, Iranians were especially worried about appearing weak before their domestic audience.
Domestic Politics and Perception in Iran
Iranian leaders are reported to be highly sensitive to domestic public opinion and intra-regime credibility. Officials said Tehran’s negotiating team fears being seen as capitulating to the United States or to outsiders. That concern about image may strengthen the hand of hardline actors who argue that any deal must be presented as a victory for Iran.
Implications for Prospects of Future Talks
The reported division will likely influence the format and timing of any additional meetings between Washington and Tehran. Diplomats will need to assess whether interlocutors in Tehran have a mandate to commit and whether parallel channels exist to secure implementation. The internal Iranian dynamics add a layer of complexity that negotiators on both sides must factor into planning.
The U.S. assessment, as relayed to CNN by administration officials, highlights the fragility of a negotiating track that depends not only on text but on domestic approvals and rival power centers inside Iran.
