Growing hostilities between Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and President Masoud Pezeshkian have forced him into a “complete political deadlock,” reported Iran International quoting insiders. The former has essentially taken over important state duties and “de facto control” of the government. Presidential nominations and decisions have been obstructed by the military leadership. It has successfully separated the government from executive authority by forming a security barrier around the center of power.
Masoud’s attempt to name a new intelligence minister recently failed due to intense pressure from IRGC chief-commander Ahmad Vahidi. Hossein Dehghan was among the candidates who were turned down. According to reports, Vahidi ordered that all crucial and critical positions of authority should be determined and handled exclusively by the IRGC until further notice owing to the circumstances triggered by the war with the United States and Israel.
Iran’s political system has historically required presidents to obtain the Supreme Leader’s approval before nominating intelligence ministers. The latter pronounces the final decision over vital security responsibilities. However, the current Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei‘s health and whereabouts have become uncertain in recent weeks and the IRGC is successfully deterring Pezeshkian from promoting his preferred nominee and continuously strengthening its hold on the security establishment.
In recent days, Pezeshkian has made numerous requests for an immediate meeting with Mojtaba, but none of them have been fulfilled and no communication has been forged. According to informed sources, a “military council” made up of senior IRGC commanders has complete authority over the central decision-making structure.
This council enforces a security cordon around Mojtaba and prevents him from obtaining government reports on the status of the country. There have also been rumours that the current power equations might be influenced by Mojtaba’s health.
Mojtaba’s inner circle is apparently experiencing an extraordinary internal crisis as well. Ali Asghar Hejazi, a prominent man in the Supreme Leader’s office, is reportedly being removed by some close associates. Hejazi’s overt resistance to Mojtaba’s possible ascension is the source of the contentions.
According to insiders, he had earlier cautioned members of the Assembly of Experts that Mojtaba does not possesses the credentials required for leadership. He also argued that and succession on the basis of blood is contradictory with the values set forth by late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
According to reports, Hejazi warned that selecting Mojtaba would essentially give the IRGC total command of the nation and irrevocably marginalise civilian institutions. Hejazi had been the target of an airstrike in Tehran during the first week of the conflict which break out of 28th February. However, he managed to survive.
