Mohsen Rezaei Appointed Head of Iran's Supreme Security Council
Iran's hardline stance has solidified with the appointment of veteran Revolutionary Guard commander Mohsen Rezaei as the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, a strategic role controlling state affairs, backed directly by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, reflecting a profound shift in internal power dynamics.
Rise of IRGC Influence
This appointment comes amidst strict limitations on President Masoud Pezeshkian's authority, reducing his role to that of a prime minister in presidential systems, while Supreme Leader Khamenei remains absent from public view, with decisions communicated solely through official spokespeople, thereby enhancing military dominance over policy-making.
Political scientists assert this move constitutes a soft coup by Revolutionary Guard leaders, preserving the constitutional structure and the Supreme Leader's position without formal amendments, yet effectively controlling power levers, meaning the most radical faction now dictates political and security affairs.
Impacts on Foreign Policy
Analysts suggest that Rezaei, representing the most hardline wing of the ruling elite, taking charge of the Supreme National Security Council will intensify Iran's policies, particularly towards the US and Israel, and may hinder any serious negotiations aimed at reaching compromises in regional and international files.
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