Iran is placing greater emphasis on military confrontation rather than diplomatic negotiations, according to Tehran University associate professor Zohreh Kharazmi. In an interview with Al Jazeera, she stated that the Iranian government’s decisions are made in an organized and collective manner, with no internal divisions and representation from all departments in the higher council.

Despite this claimed unity, Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Ahmad Vahidi opposed discussions about reopening the Strait of Hormuz, calling such talks an act of betrayal. Kharazmi explained that Vahidi’s remarks were directed at those relying on Western goodwill, arguing that Iran learned from the 2015 nuclear deal that negotiations cannot resolve all issues.

She added that a growing consensus within Iran now views the battlefield as the only viable path to address the current crisis, with influential military and political circles favoring decisive action over prolonged talks.