A significant shift in the power dynamics of the Iranian government has come to light, indicating a major reduction in the authority of President Masoud Pezeshkian. According to a report by the Israeli media outlet Channel 14, the Supreme Leader of Iran, Mojtaba Khamenei, has moved to limit the President's role in critical matters concerning national security and foreign policy. This development suggests a tightening of control by the clerical and military establishment over the executive branch of the Iranian government.
Shift in Decision-Making Authority
The report claims that the decision-making power regarding Iran's most sensitive issues has been transferred away from the presidency. Specifically, matters related to national security, the country's nuclear program, and potential negotiations with the United States will no longer be under the primary jurisdiction of President Pezeshkian, while instead, the final word on these strategic subjects will now rest with Ahmad Vahidi, a senior commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This means that the President's approval will no longer be the deciding factor in these high-stakes areas of governance.
Internal Friction and Resignation Rumors
The report further suggests that this move follows a period of internal friction within the Iranian leadership. President Pezeshkian has reportedly been complaining for some time that his administration was being excluded from major decision-making processes. There have been claims that he previously offered his resignation due to these frustrations. According to the report, the Supreme Leader has now made it clear that strategic decisions will be made strictly in accordance with the advice and guidance of the military leadership, effectively sidelining the civilian government on these fronts.
President Pezeshkian's Stance on Conflict
Despite the reports of his curtailed powers, President Masoud Pezeshkian has made public statements regarding Iran's stance on regional tensions. He emphasized that Iran doesn't seek to continue or escalate war. However, he maintained a firm position on national defense, stating that if the country's security is threatened, Iran will defend its borders. Pezeshkian compared war to a disease, whether it be a local dispute or a conflict between nations, and reiterated that while the country will protect its sovereignty, it has no desire to expand the scope of hostilities.
Denial of Resignation and Clerical Claims
In an interview with state television, President Pezeshkian addressed the rumors surrounding his potential departure from office. He explicitly denied that he intends to resign, stating that he won't leave his post and that he's working in coordination with the military. This denial comes in the wake of claims made by senior cleric Mohammad-Baqer Kharrazi, who alleged that Pezeshkian had threatened to resign 28 times. Kharrazi further claimed that the President had been warned that if he offered his resignation again, it would be accepted.
Trump's Comments on Negotiations and Mediators
The geopolitical context of these internal Iranian developments is further complicated by statements from former US President Donald Trump. Trump recently spoke about ongoing talks involving Iran, noting that these discussions are taking place at Iran's request. He mentioned that countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar are supporting these efforts. Notably, Trump didn't mention Pakistan in his list of mediating nations, despite recent reports suggesting that Pakistan might play a role as a potential mediator between Iran and the United States.
Military Influence Over Government Policy
The reports of power struggles within Iran indicate a growing dominance of the military wing over the civilian administration. The directive from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly states that the government will now operate according to the military's requirements. The Revolutionary Guard's (IRGC) opinions will be given priority on matters of national security and international dialogue. By granting Commander Ahmad Vahidi the authority to make final decisions, the Supreme Leader has signaled a shift toward a more military-centric approach to Iran's strategic challenges, seemingly ignoring the President's previous threats of resignation.