ILThis opinion piece discusses the current power dynamics in Iran following the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in February 2026. It argues that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) now holds significant influence, with three hardline IRGC figures—Brig.-Gen. Ahmad Vahidi, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, and Mohsen Rezaei—exercising real power. These individuals oppose negotiations with the U.S. and seek to continue hostilities, countering President Masoud Pezeshkian’s efforts toward a ceasefire. The article notes that the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, lacks strong religious or public legitimacy and appears to be a figurehead. Meanwhile, tensions exist between the IRGC and a more pragmatic faction within Iran’s leadership.
Bias read (Conservative): The article presents a critical view of Iran’s current leadership structure, emphasizing the dominance of hardline IRGC elements and suggesting that the new Supreme Leader is a powerless figurehead. This framing aligns with a conservative perspective that highlights the militarization of governance,
