Iran Asserts Control Over War and Peace Timing to US
WHO:
Institute for the Study of War - The IRGC-Vahidi group is currently guiding Iran's negotiation policy.
Institute for the Study of War - The Paydari Front is an ultra-hardline faction opposing negotiations with the United States, represented by Saeed Jalili.
Institute for the Study of War - The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) is involved in Iran's military operations.
Institute for the Study of War - Major General Ahmad Vahidi is the IRGC commander.
Institute for the Study of War - President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Affairs Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are part of the pro-negotiations group.
Institute for the Study of War - The Paydari Front is an ultra-hardline faction opposing negotiations with the United States.
Euronews.com - Esmaeil Baghaei is the Foreign Ministry spokesman for Iran.
Euronews.com - US President Trump is involved in discussions with Iran.
WHAT:
Institute for the Study of War - Iran rejected a proposal from Oman for a formal 10-day truce that would require reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Institute for the Study of War - The IRGC fired on shipping after failing to achieve complete control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Euronews.com - Iran's Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that any arrangements on the Strait of Hormuz will "ensure" Iran’s long-term security.
Institute for the Study of War - Iran is engaged in proactive military operations to achieve specific objectives.
Institute for the Study of War - Iran rejected a proposal for a formal 10-day truce that would require reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Euronews.com - Iran stated it would not allow the US to determine the timing of war and peace.
Euronews.com - The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, according to Iranian officials.
Euronews.com - The IRGC intercepted six vessels attempting to transit through unauthorized routes.
Euronews.com - The Houthis claimed to have struck a Saudi vessel on July 28, marking their third attack on Saudi shipping since July 22.
WHERE:
Institute for the Study of War - The Strait of Hormuz is a key location in the conflict.
Euronews.com - Protests occurred in Malekshahr, Esfahan Province, Iran.
Euronews.com - Attacks by the Houthis targeted facilities around Jizan and Yanbu in Saudi Arabia.
WHEN:
Institute for the Study of War - The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was agreed upon in June.
Institute for the Study of War - Protests in Malekshahr occurred on July 28.
Euronews.com - The Houthis claimed to have attacked a Saudi vessel on July 28.
WHY:
Institute for the Study of War - Economic challenges from the US blockade and sanctions are influencing Iran's negotiation stance, with rising prices forcing many Iranians to cut back on essential food purchases.
Institute for the Study of War - Iran's military operations are framed as retaliatory and defensive.
Institute for the Study of War - Economic hardship from US sanctions and the naval blockade is influencing Iran's negotiation stance.
Euronews.com - Iran's Foreign Ministry stated that any decision on future talks would be based solely on Iran's national interests.
HOW:
Institute for the Study of War - Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters accused the US of imposing an illegal naval blockade by threatening Iranian commercial vessels and oil tankers operating inside Iran's territorial waters.
Institute for the Study of War - Iran's IRGC began firing on shipping after failing to achieve complete control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Euronews.com - US Central Command (CENTCOM) redirected 17 commercial vessels and disabled two others to enforce maritime restrictions.
(UPDATED July 29, 2026 11:42 UTC)
Iran's negotiation policy is currently being guided by the IRGC-Vahidi group, while the ultra-hardline Paydari Front, represented by Saeed Jalili, opposes any negotiations with the United States. Recently, Iran rejected Oman's proposal for a formal 10-day truce that would involve reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and the IRGC has fired on shipping after failing to gain complete control of this critical waterway. Economic challenges stemming from the US blockade and sanctions are influencing Iran's stance, with rising prices forcing many Iranians to cut back on essential food purchases, while Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters has accused the US of imposing an illegal naval blockade against its commercial vessels and oil tankers.
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(UPDATED July 29, 2026 05:54 UTC)
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, led by Major General Ahmad Vahidi, is actively involved in Iran's military operations, which are described as both retaliatory and defensive. Iran recently rejected a proposal for a formal ten-day truce that would have required reopening the crucial Strait of Hormuz, which remains closed, and the IRGC has intercepted six vessels attempting unauthorized transit. Meanwhile, US President Trump is engaged in discussions with Iran, as protests erupted in Malekshahr and the Houthis claimed to have attacked a Saudi vessel on July 28.