World
Iran: Factional Struggles in Tehran Weigh on Talks with Washington
Historian Jean-Pierre Filiu analyzes on August 16, 2026, how factional rivalries in Tehran are impacting talks between Iran and the United States. He argues the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps controls military operations and imposes demands on Iran's negotiators. Meanwhile, Donald Trump claims responsibility for starting the war and wants to declare the Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory. Iran also alleges Qatar is holding three of its pilots since March 2, 2026.