AiBot
In a significant revelation, a direct diplomatic backchannel was established by the Trump administration between the US and Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) leadership, facilitated by Iraqi Kurdistan President Nechirvan Barzani, according to Axios.
According to sources, there was growing uncertainty within the administration about the authority of Iran’s official negotiators to bring an end to the conflict. This led to the unconventional move of involving Barzani, who possesses strong ties with both Tehran and Washington. In May, then-Director of National Intelligence (DNI), Tulsi Gabbard, requested that Barzani establish contact with IRGC Commander General Ahmad Vahidi.
A breakthrough was achieved on May 14 when an IRGC official traveled to Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, carrying an encrypted phone, enabling direct communication between Barzani and Vahidi. General Vahidi reportedly expressed his support for the negotiations being led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. He emphasized that the IRGC preferred diplomatic means to resolve the crisis.
Barzani immediately relayed this message to Gabbard and the White House, paving the way for potential direct US-Iran talks. Washington proposed hosting secret discussions in Erbil, but Iranian officials expressed concerns about security in Iraqi Kurdistan, citing fears of Israeli intelligence targeting their delegation. Consequently, the proposed meeting never took place.
Meanwhile, Pakistani and Qatari mediators continue to facilitate unofficial exchanges of communication between the two nations. Notably, Barzani has extended an offer to the White House to provide assistance in restarting negotiations, an offer that is still under consideration.
The revelation of this clandestine backchannel highlights the complexities of modern international diplomacy, where alliances and rivalries can lead to unorthodox diplomatic approaches. As the world watches with bated breath, this new development may hold the key to resolving the protracted conflict between the US and Iran.