With the whereabouts of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei remaining unclear, the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has effectively assumed control of Iran, sidelining President Masoud Pezeshkian and consolidating its grip over key state functions, according to a report in Iran International.
The development marks a significant shift in Iran’s power structure, with the military council now making daily decisions and the elected president pushed into what sources describe as a “complete political deadlock.”
Where Is Mojtaba Khamenei?
Days after US-Israeli strikes killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on the first day of the conflict (February 28), Mojtaba was named as the new Supreme Leader. However, he has not been seen or heard from since.
| Speculation About Mojtaba Khamenei | Details |
|---|---|
| Public Appearances | None since the conflict began |
| Messages | Read out on live TV by others |
| US Intelligence | Trump suggests critical condition; Hegseth claims “disfigured” |
| Latest Reports | Possibly in a coma |
The absence of a visible Supreme Leader has created a political vacuum that the IRGC has moved swiftly to fill.
IRGC Seizes Control
According to sources cited by Iran International, a “military council” composed of senior IRGC officers is now taking daily decisions.
| IRGC’s Consolidation of Power | Details |
|---|---|
| Security Cordon | Strict security around Mojtaba Khamenei |
| Information Control | Government reports prevented from reaching the Supreme Leader |
| Presidential Access | Pezeshkian’s requests for a meeting with Mojtaba ignored |
| No Contact | No communication between political leadership and Supreme Leader in recent days |
| Appointment Blocking | IRGC has blocked presidential appointments |
The Rift with President Pezeshkian
Last week, President Pezeshkian’s move to appoint Hossein Dehghan as intelligence minister failed after pressure from IRGC chief commander Ahmad Vahidi.
Vahidi took over the powerful force after Mohammad Pakpour was killed during the war’s opening phase. He reportedly insisted that all vital and sensitive leadership positions should be selected and managed directly by the IRGC amid the conflict.
This is a departure from the traditional system, where presidents have nominated intelligence ministers after securing the approval of the Supreme Leader.
Growing Tensions
Murmurs of a rift between the IRGC and the president have been present since last week. Pezeshkian was reportedly upset with the IRGC’s approach of escalating tensions by continuing to target neighbouring Gulf countries.
He warned that this would have a long-term impact on the Iranian economy, which is already on the verge of collapse after weeks of war that have depleted its ammunition.
IRGC’s Expanding Empire
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | Paramilitary force after the 1979 revolution |
| Economic Empire | Oil, transportation, banking, real estate |
| Current Role | Sole authority managing the Strait of Hormuz |
The IRGC, which began as a paramilitary force after the 1979 revolution, has long sought to concentrate power. Over the decades, it has developed a robust business empire that helps finance the regime, encompassing core sectors like oil, transportation, banking, and real estate.
What This Means
With the whereabouts of Mojtaba Khamenei unclear, the IRGC has further consolidated its grip over Iran. It is now the sole authority managing the Strait of Hormuz, the crucial oil transit waterway that has been effectively blocked by Iran since the conflict began.
The situation represents a fundamental shift in Iran’s governance structure, with the military assuming control over both state functions and foreign policy decisions.
