Power Decentralizes in Iran as IRGC Dominates Post-Khamenei Landscape

Following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the appointment of his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as successor, power in Iran has become increasingly decentralized. Experts describe this new era as 'Islamic Republic 3.0,' characterized by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) emerging as the decisive political force. Although Mojtaba holds the ultimate authority, his prolonged absence from public view due to injuries sustained in the same strike that killed his father has undermined his visible authority. Consequently, a cohort of senior officials, including IRGC Chief Ahmad Vahidi and behind-the-scenes operator Hossein Taeb, effectively manages state affairs. The political landscape has shifted toward hard-line rigidity, marginalizing reformists. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the parliament speaker, serves as a crucial intermediary between competing power centers and leads negotiations with the United States. Despite significant losses within the IRGC leadership during the conflict with Israel and the US, the organization has consolidated control over domestic and foreign policy, leading to increased militarization in Iran's economy, politics, and society.