DARK SECRETS: 17 - The Real Truth

Who is calling the shots in Iran?

Following the last round of talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, Iran’s foreign minister and negotiator Abbas Araghchi declared in a post on X on April 17 that the Strait of Hormuz was “completely open”. This came after he also signalled that his government could be flexible…

The Conversation · Apr 21

Is Trump right about Iran’s ‘seriously fractured’ leadership holding up a peace deal?

IN DEPTH: Divisions within Tehran’s leadership are becoming more apparent as analysts tell Maira Butt that the political vacuum left by US-Israeli assassinations has enabled more nationalist elements to thrive

The Independent UK · Apr 21

Strait of Hormuz military talks to be led by UK and France – as it happened

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The Guardian - AU · Apr 21

Strait of Hormuz standoff reignites as IRGC defies Iran’s diplomats

The Strait of Hormuz has been blocked again by Iran, as the IRGC’s hardline stance appears to prevail in Tehran. US Vice President JD Vance will lead the US delegation for talks in Pakistan on Monday, after President Trump said he would not attend.

Euronews · Apr 19

'Not by the Tweets of Some Idiot': Iran's Own Military Defies Its Foreign Minister Over Strait of Hormuz

Iran's internal conflict over the Strait of Hormuz reopening reveals the IRGC's dominance, impacting global oil prices and shipping routes amid a fragile ceasefire.

International Business Times UK · Apr 18

Iran’s Hormuz whiplash highlights divide within regime as U.S. blockade tightens: ‘The fight between different factions has started’

The Institute for the Study of War said in a note on Friday that the IRGC’s criticism of Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is “reflective of broader divisions within the Iranian regime.”

Fortune · Apr 18

Trump and Tehran’s series of mismanaged posts stall progress towards peace

US president’s desperation for war to end has seen him trying to speed through a process he does not fully control

The Guardian - UK · Apr 18

Open or closed? Uncertainty lingers as Iran-US reopen Strait of Hormuz, but with conditions

The Strait of Hormuz's reopening remains uncertain despite Iranian and US claims. While some vessels attempted passage, many turned back, with the International Maritime Organization seeking clarification on safety. The US maintains its naval blockade, while Iran warns of re-closure if the blockade persists, impacting vital global oil and LNG…

The Times of India · Apr 18

Netanyahu shocked by Trump's post on Lebanon? Report claims Israel asked US for clarification

United States President Donald Trump has declared Israel is prohibited from conducting further airstrikes in Lebanon. This statement surprised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Meanwhile, Iran announced it is reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. This move signals potential progress in broader United States-Iran diplomacy. Despite the ceasefire,…

The Times of India · Apr 18

Trump news at a glance: president celebrates strait of Hormuz reopening, though Iran officials warn they could close it again

Iran’s parliamentary speaker warned it would shut the strait again if the US blockade continues, which Trump said would remain in place until the conflict was fully concluded – key US politics stories from 17 April at a glance

The Guardian - US · Apr 18