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Currently, the military wing likely dominates the decision-making process in Iran. The government’s role is primarily limited to managing internal affairs, particularly in logistical and economic matters, while its involvement in sovereign decision-making is restricted to procedural functions carried out mainly by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and, to a lesser extent, by the President of the Republic.

The Iranian Parliament exercises limited influence, with its role is largely confined to Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf – who leads the negotiating team but whose powers are restricted – and a small group of his deputies. Parliamentary blocs, including hardline factions, remain largely ineffective due to the suspension of parliamentary sessions during wartime.[ix]

The headquarters of Khatam al-Anbiya, dominated by the Revolutionary Guard and led by General Abdollahi[x] (a two-star general, the highest military rank available in the Iranian military establishment), includes influential figures such as General Mostafa Izadi[xi] (a two-star general) and General Mohammad Jafar Asadi[xii] (commander of Iranian forces in Syria prior to the collapse of the Assad regime).

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is the dominant military institution both domestically and in the conflict with the United States and Israel. It is currently led by General Ahmad Vahidi (a two-star general) – with news of his potential assassination in strikes just breaking[xiii] – with General Hojjatollah Qureshi[xiv] as deputy. General Ali Ozmaei (a one-star general) commands its naval forces, while General Majid Mousavi oversees its air and missile forces.

Conclusion: A prolonged transitional period
While the wave of assassinations has weakened the Revolutionary Guard’s leadership structure, several generals and commanders within the organization can still be considered influential in the current decision-making process. These include senior Revolutionary Guard commanders Mohsen Rezaei, Yahya Safavi, and Mohammad Ali Jafari, along with Hossein Taeb, the former head of the Revolutionary Guard’s intelligence organisation.

Ultimately, Iran appears to be entering a difficult transitional period depending on regional and international developments, which is unlikely to be brief. As a result, ongoing negotiations with Iran are taking place amid political and institutional fragmentation, making it difficult to reach final decisions and complicating effective communication with influential actors within the Iranian political landscape.

https://manaramagazine.org/2026/06/irans-hierarchical-to-flat-leadership/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khatam_al-Anbiya_Central_Headquarters