Washington, April 28: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Monday that internal divisions within Iran pose the greatest obstacle to any agreement with Washington. He also indicated that pressure is mounting on Tehran to reach a deal.
In an interview with Fox News’ Trey Yingst, Rubio explained that Iran’s power structure is highly fragmented, complicating negotiations. The officials who make promises often struggle to follow through.
Rubio noted, “In addition to the fact that the country is ruled by hardline Shia clerics, this is a significant barrier. Furthermore, they are internally very divided, and while this has always been the case, it is now more evident.”
He emphasized that there is no genuinely moderate or liberal faction within Iran’s leadership.
Rubio remarked, “The best way to understand Iran is that there is now a political class. People talk about moderates and hardliners. In Iran, everyone is a hardliner, but some hardliners understand the need to manage the country and its economy, while others are purely driven by religious ideology.”
He described two groups: those who recognize their responsibility to govern and those who adhere strictly to their ideological beliefs. This dichotomy creates ongoing tension.
He pointed out that those driven by religious ideology are not just members of the IRGC but also include the Supreme Leader and his council. Additionally, there is the political class—foreign ministers, the president, and the speaker of parliament—who are also hardliners but understand the necessity of running the economy.
Thus, there are hardliners attempting to govern and negotiate, contrasted with those indifferent to practical matters and more ideologically extreme.
According to Rubio, ultimately, power tends to lean toward those with hardline ideologies. Unfortunately, these individuals, whose views are extremely rigid and future-focused, hold the ultimate authority in the country.
He explained that this internal situation complicates negotiations for the U.S. because Iranian representatives must first seek approval from various factions within their own system. Therefore, discussions do not solely occur with external Iranians; they must first consult among themselves about what they can agree to, what they can offer, what they are willing to do, and even whom they can meet.
His comments come at a time when reports suggest that Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. lifts sanctions on Iranian ports. However, this proposal does not include any concessions regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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