IRGC asserting themselves as Iran 'responds to Trump’s method of conducting diplomacy in kind'

AFP / France 24
by FRANCE24
April 22, 2026
2 min read

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Iran's IRGC is asserting its influence as Iran responds to President Trump's diplomatic approach while safeguarding its nuclear program.

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The IRGC is asserting itself as Iran responds to President Trump's diplomatic approach, according to Dr. Burcu Ozcelik, Senior Research Fellow at RUSI. Dr. Ozcelik argues Iran is reacting to external pressures, particularly the Trump administration's "performative diplomacy," while protecting its core sovereign interests, including its nuclear program and regional influence. This response is characterized as a dual strategy of rhetorical escalation combined with cautious pragmatism. Iran and the United States are currently navigating increasing economic and geopolitical constraints.

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