Iran is facing a serious leadership crisis, with growing confusion over who is actually in control. The issue began after Iranโs Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in early strikes during the conflict. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was quickly named as the next Supreme Leader but since then, he has not appeared in public. His absence has raised many questions. Messages in his name are being read on television, but there is no direct proof of his condition. Some reports suggest he may be seriously ill, while others say he could be unconscious.
IRGC steps in as power gap growsย
With no clear leadership at the top, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has stepped in and taken control of important decisions. This force, which operates separately from the regular army, is now said to be handling both military and political matters.
Reports say a group of senior IRGC officers is making key decisions every day, almost like a temporary ruling body. They are also controlling access to the Supreme Leader, making it difficult for others to reach him.
Iranโs President without priority?ย
Iranโs president, Masoud Pezeshkian, appears to be losing influence in this situation. He is reportedly unable to carry out important decisions. His attempts to meet the Supreme Leader have not been successful. Even his choices for key government roles are being blocked, showing that real power may have shifted away from elected leadership.
The tension between the president and the IRGC is becoming more open. A recent example was when the president tried to appoint Hossein Dehghan to a top post, but the move was stopped after pressure from IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi.
This is unusual because such decisions were earlier made by the government with approval from the Supreme Leader not directly controlled by the military. The ongoing conflict has made the situation worse. Iranโs economy is already under heavy strain due to weeks of fighting. At the same time, the IRGC is controlling the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for global oil supply, which adds to international concern.
Who are the โreasonableโ leaders Trump is talking to?ย
Amid all this, US President Donald Trump claimed that talks were happening with more โreasonableโ leaders in Iran. But Iranian officials have denied any such discussions, making the situation even more unclear.
Right now, Iran appears to be going through a major shift in power. With the Supreme Leader missing from public view and the president unable to act freely, the IRGC seems to be the strongest force in the country.