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Nechirvan Barzani used as secret U.S. channel to the IRGC
The Trump administration utilized a secret communication channel to bypass official Iranian negotiators and contact the leadership of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to reports, U.S. negotiators faced uncertainty in mid-May regarding whether the individuals at the negotiating table were truly authorized to speak for the IRGC.
Nechirvan Barzani, the President of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq, served as the intermediary due to his ability to maintain the trust of both the United States and the IRGC. Reports indicate that around May 10, then-Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard contacted Barzani to facilitate communication with IRGC leadership, specifically aiming to reach General Ahmad Vaheidi.
The need for this backchannel arose following a period of instability in Iran, including the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior officials, which significantly strengthened the IRGC's control over national security and foreign policy. While a memorandum of understanding had previously been reached between the U.S. and Iran, it collapsed, prompting the administration to seek direct contact with actual decision-makers.
Entities
Ahmed Waheedi · Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps · Kurdistan Region · Nechirvan Barzani · Trump administration · Tulsi Gabbard
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 4 SOURCES] supporting_article_ids lat.sputnikportal.rs · alfajertv.com · www.arknews.net · sputnikportal.rs
- [● 4 SOURCES] Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq, served as the secret intermediary. lat.sputnikportal.rs · alfajertv.com · www.arknews.net · sputnikportal.rs
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Tulsi Gabbard, then Director of National Intelligence, contacted Nechirvan Barzani around May 10. www.arknews.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The IRGC's power increased following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior leaders. alfajertv.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Trump administration used Nechirvan Barzani as a secret communication channel to reach the IRGC leadership. lat.sputnikportal.rs · alfajertv.com · www.arknews.net · sputnikportal.rs
- [● 4 SOURCES] U.S. negotiators were unsure if official Iranian negotiators were speaking on behalf of the IRGC. lat.sputnikportal.rs · alfajertv.com · www.arknews.net · sputnikportal.rs
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The U.S. sought to communicate directly with IRGC General Ahmad Vaheidi. www.arknews.net