Iran's New Supreme Leader Now Endorses Military Decisions as Revolutionary Guards Consolidate Power

Gate News message, April 29 — Iran’s traditional power structure has undergone a major shift as the conflict with the U.S. and Israel enters its second month, with real authority now concentrated in the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and a tightened security circle, according to Reuters. The power realignment has hardened Iran’s stance in diplomatic negotiations with the U.S.

Since the war began, the previous Supreme Leader was killed in an attack. His son, who assumed the position, suffered serious injuries in airstrikes, including severe leg wounds, and has remained out of public view for security reasons, communicating only through Guard aides and limited audio channels. According to three sources familiar with internal discussions, the new nominal leader no longer actively issues policy directives; his primary role has shifted to endorsing and approving decisions already decided by military leadership.

Iranian officials and analysts note that wartime conditions have accelerated the concentration of power. The decision-making core has contracted to the Supreme National Security Council, the Leader’s Office, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. The Revolutionary Guards now firmly controls military strategy and has become deeply involved in major political and diplomatic decisions, effectively serving as Iran’s true center of power.