August 3, 2025 — Tehran
Iran has announced the formation of a powerful new governing body — the Supreme Defense Council — that will take over national decision-making in the event of war, according to reports by Middle East Spectator.
The Council’s lineup includes top civilian and military leadership:
President Masoud Pezeshkian
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
Chief Justice Mohsen Ejei
Two representatives of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei
Senior commanders: the Chief of General Staff, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Intelligence Minister, and the commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya joint military base.
While Pezeshkian will formally lead the council, Middle East Spectator notes that he is not considered a close ally of Khamenei, raising questions about internal unity and influence over wartime strategy. Analysts remain uncertain whether Pezeshkian will hold real sway over decision-making should a military crisis arise.
The move comes amid heightened regional tensions and signals Iran’s readiness to centralize wartime control under a streamlined command structure combining political, judicial, and military authority.
