Who Is Calling The Shots In Iran? Military Emerges Dominant As President Is Pushed Aside

Last Updated:April 21, 2026, 23:14 IST

Reports suggested a power struggle between Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian and the military leadership, pushing the country into a "complete political deadlock" amid the war.

With just one day to go before the fragile US-Iran ceasefire expires, the future of Tehran remains uncertain. However, a new power struggle has emerged in Iran as tensions between President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration and the military leadership have pushed the country into a “complete political deadlock", effectively sidelining Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei from control.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have effectively assumed control over key state functions, blocking presidential appointments and decisions, while erecting a security perimeter around Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, according to a report by Iran International.

Pezeshkian’s efforts to appoint a new intelligence minister last week collapsed under direct pressure from IRGC chief commander Ahmad Vahidi, as per the report. All proposed candidates – including Hossein Dehghan – were rejected, with Vahidi citing wartime conditions.

ALSO READ: Trump Says US Militarily Ready To Move Against Iran, Signals No Ceasefire Extension

Under Iran’s political system, presidents have traditionally nominated intelligence ministers only after securing the approval of the Supreme Leader. However, with Khamenei’s whereabouts unknown, the IRGC has consolidated its grip on power and blocked the president from advancing its preferred candidate.

Pezeshkian Not Allowed To Meet Khamenei

According to the report, Pezeshkian has repeatedly sought an urgent meeting with Mojtaba Khamenei in recent days, with all requests going unanswered. Sources told Iran International that a “military council" composed of senior IRGC officers now exercises full control over the core decision-making structure and formed a cordon around Khamenei, preventing government reports on the country’s situation from reaching him.

Pezeshkian is considered a moderate president, but the IRGC reportedly seeks a more powerful ally that was less willing to compromise in talks with Washington and more inclined to continue military escalation across the region.

The situation has reportedly escalated after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which—if true—has raised concerns about a leadership vacuum at the top of Iran’s political system. While his son Mojtaba Khamenei is believed to have taken the role, he has maintained a low public profile with little official communication.

Where Is Mojtaba Khamenei?

While Mojtaba Khamenei has been absent, statements attributed to the 56-year-old cleric have been read out on national television or posted on social media. CNN reported, citing a source, that Khamenei had suffered a fractured foot, a bruised left eye and minor lacerations to his face in the first wave of attacks that killed his father.

However, Reuters reported that he was taking part in meetings with senior officials via audio conferencing and is engaged in decision-making on major issues, including the war and new negotiations with Washington.

US President Donald Trump has boasted of regime change since the killing of the senior Khamenei, and described those now negotiating on behalf of Tehran as “reasonable."

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