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According to a New York Times report cited by Times of Israel and Ynet, hardline Iranian factions launched attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz in July in defiance of Iran’s political leadership, significantly undermining diplomatic efforts. Iranian sources told the NYT that President Pezeshkian expressed fury at IRGC chief Hossein Taeb, who denied authorizing the strikes.

An official Iranian investigation traced responsibility to Hossein Taeb, a powerful former Revolutionary Guards intelligence chief, indicating the attacks were executed by hardliners without approval from Iran’s civilian government. This internal power struggle reflects deep divisions within Iran’s leadership over foreign policy and military decision-making.

The incident reveals significant fissures in Iran’s governance structure, with Ynet quoting an Israeli senior official as stating: “Mojtaba [Khamenei] surrounds himself with extremists.” The discord undermines any unified Iranian response to recent regional escalations.

Sources: Ynet, Walla, www.israelhayom.co.il, Times of Israel, Jerusalem Post