According to reports, the conflict between the government and the religious militia (IRGC) is increasing in Iran. According to a report in *Tehran Times*, a power tussle is currently underway between Iran’s powerful military-like body—the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—and President Massoud Pezheshkian. The newspaper claims that the IRGC has now completely taken over the country. It is also alleged that President Pezheshkian is not able to get an appointment with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. It is noteworthy that earlier this week, US President Trump had made a big claim about Iran. He had said that talks are going on to resolve the ongoing conflict between America and Iran. According to Trump, his team is in contact with some “sensible” Iranian leaders, and efforts are being made to defuse the situation through talks. However, Iran immediately rejected Trump’s claim. Iranian officials clearly stated that no direct talks of any kind were taking place. After Trump’s claim was rejected, questions are now being raised as to whose hands hold the real power in Iran.
IRGC interferes in President’s decisions
According to reports, President Pezheshkian is unable to take any major decision right now. The IRGC—whose main function was to respond to US attacks—is now also taking important government decisions. Citing sources, the newspaper reported that on March 26, Pezheshkian had tried to appoint a new intelligence minister. He wanted to give this post to Hussein Dehghan, but IRGC chief Ahmed Vahidi stopped this appointment. Vahidi took over the post when the previous commander, Mohammad Pakpur, was killed in the early stages of the conflict. Vahidi says that, given the war-like situation, all appointments to important and sensitive posts will be made only by the IRGC, and it will have operational control over them. Normally, under Iran’s political system, a candidate for the post of Intelligence Minister is selected by the President only after receiving approval from the Supreme Leader; Because the Supreme Leader has the final authority in all matters related to national security. IRGC has further strengthened its hold on the system
According to the newspaper report, the situation is still not clear as to who is the Supreme Leader of Iran. On 28 February—the day the war began—Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several other senior leaders were assassinated. A few days later, Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was appointed Supreme Leader; However, since then he has neither appeared publicly nor issued any direct statement. His messages are being read out only on television.
According to the report, a “military council” composed of senior IRGC officials is now making day-to-day decisions. Additionally, the IRGC has placed Mojtaba under tight security. It is being told that he is not even allowed to see government reports related to the situation in the country. Citing sources, the newspaper says there have been no contacts between President Pezeshkian and Khamenei in recent days. Pezheshkian has tried several times to meet with the Supreme Leader, but the IRGC has ignored his requests.
Rifts were already beginning to emerge between the president and the IRGC. Pezheshkian was angry that the IRGC was escalating tensions by targeting neighboring countries. He warned that such steps would have a long-term adverse impact on Iran’s economy. Iran’s economy is already weakened by weeks of war, and its ammunition reserves are dwindling.
IRGC also has control over Hormuz
A power vacuum has been created in Iran; As a result, the IRGC—which operates independently of the regular army—now appears to be in command of the country. The IRGC was founded as a paramilitary force after the 1979 revolution, but over time, it has become an extremely powerful institution. Today, it operates in key sectors such as oil, transportation, banking and real estate, and uses its earnings to further consolidate its power.
The IRGC also now controls the Strait of Hormuz—a vital oil shipping route—which Iran has effectively blocked. It is still unclear where Mojtaba Khamenei is. As a result, the IRGC has further strengthened its grip on power. Some sources claim that Mojtaba has passed away, while other reports suggest that he may be in a coma. Trump has also indicated that his condition may be serious, while US Deputy Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said that his face is badly affected.
