‘MORE PRESSURE’: Ex-Pentagon Official Says IRGC Is Calling the Shots in Iran

Former U.S. Navy Captain Brent Sadler stated that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is “calling the shots” in Tehran amid ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations, emphasizing that increased pressure is needed to counter the group’s influence.

President Trump recently affirmed that the United States “will not develop or in any way purchase a military weapon,” marking a significant shift in approach. He characterized negotiations as deliberately paced, noting that while gasoline prices may eventually decline, rushing the process would jeopardize securing a favorable agreement. “If we don’t get what we want, we’re going to end it a different way,” he added.

Trump also stated that Iran’s Air Force is “totally gone, 100%,” while explaining that U.S. strategy has intentionally left Iran’s conventional military largely intact because it is viewed as “somewhat moderate.” Instead, targeted actions have focused on removing “other people and different forms of leadership.” He cautioned that past conflicts demonstrated the long-term consequences of dismantling entire state structures, leaving nations unable to rebuild for decades.

According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Gulf nations in the Middle East have turned against the Iranian regime, becoming willing to freeze or block Iranian assets within their banking systems—a shift from earlier reluctance to share financial intelligence. The White House is now seizing Iranian regime-owned estates, villas, and approximately $1 billion in cryptocurrency holdings.

These developments follow Iran’s suspension of all diplomatic talks with the United States, prompted by Tehran’s opposition to Israeli strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

Sadler, consulted on the strategic outlook, expressed cautious optimism that a resolution could be reached within days or weeks but stressed uncertainty. He highlighted that four targeted U.S. strikes have degraded IRGC leverage at the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. “Time is on the President’s side,” Sadler said, adding that patience remains essential to securing a deal aligned with U.S. interests.

Addressing speculation that Iran is betting the U.S. administration will soften its stance due to midterm election pressures, Sadler acknowledged this may factor into Tehran’s calculus but noted Iran’s influence campaigns—activated globally following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks—have so far failed to produce meaningful political results. He affirmed that the President has made clear he will not be swayed by electoral timelines.

A U.S. Navy blockade has proven highly effective in curtailing the regime’s oil revenue, cutting off an estimated 90% of related funding. Additionally, the United States conducted self-defense strikes against Iranian radar and command-and-control sites used for drone operations after the shootdown of a U.S. MQ-1 drone over international waters.

Military experts warn that lasting peace in the Middle East depends on the United States demonstrating sustained strength, citing concerns that Iran continues to misrepresent the scope of its nuclear program and the range of missiles capable of reaching Western Europe.

In related commentary, Democratic Congressman Jim Himes acknowledged on national television that the 2015 Iran nuclear deal negotiated under former President Barack Obama failed to achieve its intended safeguards.