Tehran: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has effectively taken over key state functions, paralysing President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration amid continuing US and Israeli attacks and a deepening power struggle in Tehran, Iran International reported, citing sources.
The report says that escalating friction between the Pezeshkian administration and Iran’s military leadership has left President Masoud Pezeshkian in a “complete political deadlock.” As a result, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has effectively taken control of key state functions, sidelining the elected government and consolidating decision‑making power in the hands of the military‑security establishment.
The IRGC has reportedly blocked presidential appointments and policy decisions, while reinforcing a tight security cordon around the centre of power. In practice, this has pushed the Pezeshkian government out of real executive authority. Attempts by Pezeshkian to appoint a new intelligence minister last Thursday failed under direct pressure from IRGC chief commander Ahmad Vahidi, sources told the publication.
All suggested candidates, including former Defence Minister Hossein Dehghan, were rejected.
Vahidi is said to have insisted that, given the wartime context, all important and sensitive leadership posts must be selected and managed directly by the IRGC until further notice, effectively placing core security and intelligence positions under military command rather than civilian oversight.
Under Iran’s political framework, presidents have traditionally nominated intelligence ministers only after securing approval from the Supreme Leader, who holds final authority over key security portfolios.
Pezeshkian has reportedly tried several times in recent days to arrange an urgent meeting with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, but has received no response, and no contact has been established, clearly indicating isolation of the presidency and reinforcing the view that the IRGC now dominates the heart of Iran’s power structure.
