(SeaPRwire) –   President Donald Trump stated at the White House on Tuesday that while Iran’s leadership appears disorganized, the U.S. is communicating with the “right people” who are eager to reach an agreement.

These comments come as the U.S. asserts it is in discussions with a high-ranking Iranian official, despite public denials from Tehran that any negotiations are occurring.

The primary concern is not only whether discussions are happening, but if anyone in Tehran possesses the authority to finalize a deal. Following strikes on its top leadership and increasing internal friction, Iran seems to be functioning less as a centralized theocracy and more as a wartime entity governed by various power centers, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) at its heart.

The following figures are currently the most influential.

Intelligence assessments and recent reports consistently conclude that the IRGC has become the dominant power within the Iranian political framework.

Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, noted that the current situation is accelerating a long-standing shift.

“There is no question that recent conflicts have impacted the top levels of the Islamic Republic’s political and military leadership,” he remarked. “However, it has also sped up the existing political trends in Iran, specifically the rise of security forces and the dominance of the IRGC.”

He observed that while the IRGC has more control over the state than ever, the state itself is at its weakest, functioning primarily as a national security entity.

“Washington should not be overly concerned with who is or isn’t suggesting negotiations,” Ben Taleblu added. “The main priority for Washington must be achieving a military and political victory, which is accomplished by defeating the IRGC on the battlefield and supporting the Iranian people, who are the primary force opposed to them.”

While the IRGC holds the power in Iran, the Supreme National Security Council serves as the primary vehicle through which that power is applied.

The Supreme National Security Council is the highest body for coordinating military and foreign policy, uniting top IRGC commanders and government officials under the Supreme Leader’s authority. Established after the 1979 revolution, it has been central to managing major crises, including nuclear talks and military operations.

Reuters reported on Tuesday that Iran named Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, a former IRGC commander, as the council’s secretary, further highlighting its role in aligning military and political strategy.

A Middle Eastern official source familiar with the internal structure described the current arrangement:

“Power currently rests with the IRGC,” the source stated. “The Supreme National Security Council makes the decisions, naturally with the support of the majority of IRGC leadership.”

On paper, Iran’s system is led by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, though his actual control remains in question.

Mojtaba took over the position’s extensive powers after his father’s death, but according to the Middle Eastern official, he “lacks the natural authority his father possessed.”

Furthermore, he has not made any public appearances since assuming power, issuing only written statements. This has led to questions regarding his health and leadership ability, following reports that he was injured in the February 28 U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed his father and other top officials.

Brig. Gen. (res.) Yossi Kuperwasser, head of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, suggested his current role might be minimal: “Because Mojtaba was injured, it appears he is currently a figurehead rather than a leader with real power. If he recovers, he will likely be involved in governing. He isn’t just a symbol, but for now, the IRGC is in control of Iran.”

Trump’s claim of speaking to a “top person” has directed attention toward Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

Axios reported that the White House is quietly considering Ghalibaf as a potential contact and a possible future leader.

A former IRGC commander and the current speaker of parliament, Ghalibaf is a hybrid figure who combines military experience with political standing.

He was a significant security figure during the suppression of student protests in July 1999 and has run for the presidency four times since 2005.

Ghalibaf is reportedly expected to meet with U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Pakistan as early as the end of this week.

Ben Taleblu noted: “Those observing the rise of someone like Ghalibaf, an IRGC veteran with expanded influence, may have overlooked how personal influence rather than professional background has driven Iranian politics for decades. Furthermore, those concerned about the IRGC ties within the Supreme National Security Council should note that previous secretaries like Shamkhani, Larijani, and Ahmadian also had IRGC backgrounds.”

Meanwhile, Ghalibaf has publicly denied participating in talks with the U.S., and neither side has provided direct confirmation of such negotiations.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi remains one of the most prominent figures on the international stage.

Reuters reported that if negotiations were to occur, Araqchi would likely be included in the Iranian delegation alongside Ghalibaf.

However, analysts warn that his influence is limited. He may serve as a communication link but does not independently establish policy.

Strategic choices, particularly regarding war and diplomacy, continue to be determined by the IRGC and the broader security apparatus.

Beyond the primary figures, a wider group of officials continues to influence Iran’s path.

This group includes IRGC chief Ahmad Vahidi, Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani, naval commander Alireza Tangsiri, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and other senior figures like Saeed Jalili and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi.

Each individual represents a different component of the system: military strength, regional proxy activities, control of maritime routes, internal security, and religious authority.

Together, they constitute what experts describe as a fragmented but enduring governing network.

Despite internal disagreements, the Iranian leadership remains focused on one primary goal: the survival of the regime.

Kuperwasser described the internal divide: “There are more pragmatic figures like Araqchi, Rouhani, and Zarif, and there are hardliners who typically hold more power… However, they are united on the fact that the regime must survive and maintain its hold on power.”

Iran’s U.N. mission did not provide a response to a request for comment before publication.