Key facts
- Iran's leadership has consolidated around military generals and clerics six months after US and Israeli attacks.
- New leaders are prepared for a prolonged confrontation with the U.S. and determined to prevent domestic unrest.
- Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei appointed Mohsen Rezaei as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and Hossein Taeb as head of the Basij.
- Brig. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi was confirmed as head of the Guard.
- President Masoud Pezeshkian is a prominent voice calling for a negotiated solution.
- Mohsen Rezaei threatened to retaliate seismically if economic war continues and stated that no oil would be exported from the Persian Gulf.
Six months after US and Israeli attacks, Iran's leadership has consolidated around a hard core of military generals and clerics, defying expectations of toppling the government. The new leaders are prepared for a potentially long confrontation with the U.S. and are determined to prevent any unrest at home.
President Donald Trump's initial hopes of toppling the Islamic Republic have not materialized. The new leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who is believed to have been wounded in the strikes that killed his father, has appointed longtime allies to key positions. Mohsen Rezaei has been named secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, and Hossein Taeb, a hard-line cleric and longtime intelligence chief, is the new head of the Basij.
Brig. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi has been confirmed as head of the Guard, with Gen. Ali Ozmaei and Gen. Ali Abdollahi also confirmed in their posts. These appointments suggest a greater influence for officials associated with a tougher stance, emphasizing internal cohesion.
Despite the challenging economic situation exacerbated by U.S. sanctions, Iran has threatened to escalate the conflict. Rezaei stated that if the economic war continues, not a single drop of oil will be exported from the Persian Gulf and threatened seismic retaliation for any further U.S. actions. However, escalation is not inevitable, and Iran faces the risk of triggering further retaliation.
President Masoud Pezeshkian remains a prominent voice advocating for a negotiated solution, arguing that continuing the war risks Iran's economy. He has defended a June ceasefire deal against hard-liners' accusations. Rezaei, while open to a deal, insists the U.S. must change its attitude and take practical action.