IRGC Backchannel: How Egyptian Intel Unlocked Iran War Pause Amid US U-Turn

• US President Donald Trump abruptly shifted war strategy, announcing a five-day pause after threatening major strikes on Iran.
• The reversal followed intense, multi-country backchannel diplomacy across West Asia, led by regional powers like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan.
• With traditional diplomatic channels blocked after the killing of Ali Larijani, Egyptian intelligence established a direct line to Iran's IRGC.
• A proposal for a five-day fighting pause as a confidence-building measure was floated through the IRGC, eventually reaching Washington.
• Trump agreed due to a diplomatic opening, economic pressure (calming oil prices and markets), and concerns over prolonged military engagement.