While the new supreme leader has never held elected office, the 57-year-old for years has operated quietly behind the scenes from within his father's office — cultivating influence across the security establishment, particularly within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Over the years, he has been involved in running parts of the state apparatus, with his influence growing particularly after the 2009 political unrest known as the Green Revolution. His deep ties to the Revolutionary Guard and security apparatus also suggest that the institutions driving Iran's current war posture will retain strong influence in the next phase of leadership.
Author: Imtiaz Tyab
Published at: 2026-03-08 22:51:00
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