Amidst the ongoing conflict with Israel and the US, there is a power struggle going on inside Iran. Reports suggest that there is a power tussle between the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iranian President Massoud Pezheshkian. While Pezheshkian’s role has been limited, the IRGC’s influence within the country continues to grow. According to a report by *Iran International*, Pezeshkian—known as a moderate leader—has become completely stuck in a political impasse, while the IRGC’s involvement in important state affairs has significantly increased. *Iran International* cited sources for this information.
According to reports, the IRGC has blocked several important government decisions and appointments, rendering President Massoud Pezeshkian’s authority virtually ineffective. This situation was recently seen regarding the appointment of the Iranian Intelligence Minister; The candidates proposed by Pezheshkian for this position were rejected.
The President had proposed the name of Hussein Dehghan for the post of Intelligence Minister. According to reports, top IRGC commander Ahmed Vahidi has made it clear that, given the current war-like conditions, the right to make appointments to sensitive and important posts will remain exclusively with the IRGC. As a result, no further action was taken against the candidates put forward by the Iranian President.
In the context of Iran’s political system, the Intelligence Minister is usually nominated by the President, although final approval comes from the Supreme Leader. However, taking advantage of the current circumstances in Iran—including widespread uncertainty over the health and whereabouts of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei—the IRGC appears to be tightening its grip on the security apparatus and decision-making processes.
*Iran International* reports that a de facto “military council” has emerged, consisting of senior IRGC officials and now taking all important decisions. It is also being told that a security cordon has been created around Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, as a result of which even government reports are not able to reach him. President Pezheshkian also attempted to meet him on several occasions, but this meeting did not take place.
