The American newspaper New York Times reported today (Thursday) a radical change in the power structure in Iran, where critical decisions related to security, war, and diplomacy are now effectively managed by Revolutionary Guard generals, following the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the new leader of the country.
The report indicated that this change comes amid a decline in the direct executive role of Mojtaba compared to his predecessor, the late Ali Khamenei, who wielded absolute authority in making decisions regarding war, peace, and negotiations with the United States.
Details of the Event
The newspaper described Mojtaba Khamenei as a "mysterious figure," noting that he has not been heard from since his appointment in March. Politician Abdul Razza Daouri, who served as the chief advisor to former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, pointed out that Mojtaba runs the country as if he were the chairman of a board, heavily relying on the advice and guidance of board members, with decisions being made collectively.
This characterization of the new power structure is based on interviews with six senior Iranian officials, as well as former officials and two members of the Revolutionary Guard, reflecting a significant shift in how the country is managed.
Background & Context
It is worth noting that Mojtaba Khamenei, who was selected by a council of senior clerics, has been out of the public eye since the attack by American and Israeli forces on his father's residence on February 28, which resulted in the assassination of his father, mother, and brother. Since then, access to Mojtaba has become extremely difficult as he is undergoing treatment for injuries sustained during the strikes.
According to the newspaper, senior Revolutionary Guard leaders and government officials are refraining from visiting him for fear of being tracked by Israel, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon and former health minister, is involved in monitoring his health condition.
Impact & Consequences
Concerns regarding Mojtaba's safety, along with his injuries and difficulty in accessing him, have led to delegating decision-making powers to the generals for the time being. This change in leadership reflects a state of chaos within the Iranian system, as U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that the American and Israeli military campaign against Iran has led to a lack of clarity in leadership within the country.
Trump stated that Iran is no longer the bully in the Middle East, indicating that the Iranian regime has lost the deterrent factor it previously possessed, which negatively impacts the stability of the region.
Regional Significance
This shift in Iranian leadership could have far-reaching implications for the Arab region, potentially leading to changes in regional and international policies. With Iran's power waning, countries in the region may seek to reassess their alliances and security strategies.
In conclusion, it appears that Iran is undergoing a critical phase of political transformations, necessitating close monitoring by Arab nations and the international community.