Iran's Revolutionary Guards assume wartime command, hardening stance

Middle Eastern outlets describe Iran as juggling an external conflict with an internal succession struggle, where the IRGC and clerical hardliners have the upper hand. They stress that the interim leadership council’s expanded powers formalize emergency rule while different factions, including Rouhani’s camp, test their strength for the next leadership arrangement. Regional coverage notes that the IRGC’s wartime lead likely means a more confrontational stance toward Israel, the United States, and Gulf rivals, even as Tehran publicly rules out attacks on neighbors.

• •Iran’s interim leadership council has been granted wider authority to manage the country during war and succession.
• •The IRGC’s central wartime role strengthens hardline clerics such as Alireza Arafi inside the power structure.
• •Rouhani’s allies are using the leadership vacuum to argue for a more pragmatic future course after the conflict.
• •Iran’s neighbors expect a tougher Iranian stance in regional flashpoints while the IRGC dominates decisions.
• •Public vows of resistance by Iranian diplomats are meant to reassure domestic supporters and allied groups abroad.