{
  "id": 1269548,
  "title": "U.S. said to have negotiated directly with Iran’s IRGC in May",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/u-s-said-to-have-negotiated-directly-with-irans-irgc-in-may",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-16T12:19:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Investing.com",
    "slug": "investing-com",
    "url": "https://www.investing.com/news/economy-news/us-said-to-have-negotiated-directly-with-irans-irgc-in-may-4861974"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In mid-May, the United States reportedly bypassed Iranian officials and directly engaged with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to an Axios report citing three sources familiar with the situation. This unusual approach unfolded as the United States and Iran remained at a diplomatic stalemate over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway. Both nations claimed control over the strategic chokepoint, leading to a series of tit-for-tat attacks between them. The interim memorandum of understanding signed between the two parties in mid-June was nullified shortly after, marking a return to hostile exchanges. The U.S. move in May sheds light on the challenges faced by American negotiators when dealing with Iran. President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that the assassination of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the early stages of the conflict left Iran’s leadership in disarray, impacting negotiations. Sources suggest that the Trump administration contacted the IRGC through Nechirvan Barzani, who served as the president of Iraq’s Kurdistan region. Barzani was believed to have the confidence of both Washington and the IRGC, and was contacted by then-Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard around May 10. Gabbard informed Barzani that the administration believed he could facilitate communication with IRGC Commander-in-Chief Ahmad Vahidi, with whom the White House sought to determine if he and Iran’s negotiators were aligned. However, efforts to connect with Vahidi were unsuccessful. The question of whether Iran’s negotiators truly represent the country’s leadership remains a contentious issue in future discussions between Washington and Tehran. Iran has lately dismissed any direct talks with the U.S., stating the Strait of Hormuz will reopen only if Washington adheres to certain conditions, such as halting hostilities and releasing Iranian assets. Oil prices witnessed a more than 5% increase this week due to the ongoing U.S.-Iran standoff; the global benchmark Brent crude futures settled at $88.60 a barrel.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Arutz Sheva - Israel National News",
        "title": "Report: Trump's secret channel to Iran's IRGC",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/report-trumps-secret-channel-to-irans-irgc",
        "published": "2026-08-16T13:28:06.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}