Overview

• According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is reportedly at risk of removal because of a dispute with the country’s de facto leader, new IRGC commander Mohammad Vahidi.

• Talks between Vice President JD Vance and an Iranian delegation, mediated by Pakistan, were supposed to take place but were canceled because Iran was unwilling to send representatives.

• On April 22, 2026, the IRGC Navy used fast attack boats to seize two container ships that tried to leave Hormuz.

• President Donald Trump decided to extend the ceasefire in Lebanon by three weeks. He said that after conversations involving himself, Vice President Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio with Israeli and Lebanese representatives.

Iran

Negotiations with the US

• According to ISW, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is reportedly at risk of removal because of a dispute with the country’s de facto leader, new IRGC commander Mohammad Vahidi. Vahidi has access to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who, by virtue of his position, can authorize approval or cancellation of a nuclear deal. Vahidi represents the hardline side of Iran’s political map, while Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are trying to reach a compromise deal to end the operation. Vahidi is…