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Showing posts with the label IRGC

[Iran Watch #13] The Supreme Leader's Throne – Who Will Rise When Khamenei Falls?

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  What happens after Khamenei? This in-depth report explores the rising contenders—from IRGC loyalists and Mojtaba Khamenei to exiled leaders like Reza Pahlavi and Maryam Rajavi. Iran's future may hinge on what comes next. 📌 Table of Contents Introduction – The Throne Without a Future Khamenei’s Health and Public Appearances – A Shrinking Figure The Three ‘Internal’ Successor Options Mojtaba Khamenei – The Shadow Prince External Contenders – From Exile to Power The IRGC's Power Leverage – Will the Military Decide? Public Sentiment – Legitimacy Crisis in a Young Iran FAQ – Iran's Next Leader Debate Conclusion – Succession or Showdown? 1. Introduction – The Throne Without a Future As Iran’s aging Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei grows increasingly frail, questions of succession dominate both domestic whispers and international strategy rooms. The Islamic Republic, designed around the absolute authority of a single clerical leader, now ...

[Iran Watch #12] Iran’s Shadow Cabinet – Who Rules When the Supreme Leader Hides?

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 As Khamenei retreats from public view, Iran is ruled by a shadow cabinet of clerics, IRGC officers, and loyalists. Who really holds power in Tehran now? 📌 Table of Contents Introduction – When the Leader Vanishes The Deep State in Iran – More Than Khamenei Key Figures in the Shadow Cabinet The Role of Mojtaba Khamenei – Hidden Heir? Clerical Approval vs. Military Control Crisis Management Teams – Who Holds Real Power? Foreign Policy and Intelligence – The Invisible Hands Public Messaging and State Media Apparatus FAQ – Shadow Cabinet and Succession Questions Conclusion – The Regime Without a Face 1. Introduction – When the Leader Vanishes As Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei retreats to an underground command post amid escalating conflict and threats to his life, Iran is being governed by a clandestine network of advisors, clerics, and military officials—what many now call the “Shadow Cabinet.” This informal structure has long existed to protect con...