The Iranian government operates under a military regime following the February 28, 2026, assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The Assembly of Experts named Mojtaba Khamenei as the third Supreme Leader on March 8 (Tasnim News Agency).
However, Mojtaba has not made a single public appearance since his appointment.
This unprecedented absence creates a massive intelligence gap regarding who actually governs Iran.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) seized control of state policy. They sidelined civilian leaders like President Masoud Pezeshkian.
IRGC commanders now direct the Supreme National Security Council and manage the ongoing conflict with Israel and the United States.
Russian state media amplifies Iranian military threats but remains silent on Mojtaba's physical condition.
This suggests Moscow recognizes the regime's fragility. For international businesses, this military takeover means extreme unpredictability.
The restriction of the Strait of Hormuz already triggered a global energy crisis.
Companies must prepare for sudden policy shifts as the IRGC consolidates power behind a potentially incapacitated leader.
Your Iranian operations face total regulatory paralysis today. Designated Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vanished after recent airstrikes. Military commanders from the IRGC now control all strategic and economic decisions. This silent coup creates a massive power vacuum and destroys policy continuity. Freeze all pending local contracts and prepare for sudden regulatory shifts.
Civilian officials hold no real authority over internal security or the ongoing war. President Masoud Pezeshkian and his cabinet cannot direct state policy (Iran International). Instead, hardline military veterans bypass normal legal procedures to control strategic targeting. The IRGC recently installed Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (Gulf International Forum). Furthermore, Ahmad Vahidi assumed the role of IRGC commander-in-chief without a public decree (Iran International). These appointments prove the military apparatus operates entirely independent of clerical oversight.
The Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei on March 8 under extreme duress from security forces . At least eight assembly members boycotted the emergency session to protest this hereditary succession (Iran International) (Farsi independent media, ahead of English reporting). Opponents argue the move makes the Islamic Republic resemble a monarchy. State television anchors read Mojtaba's first official statement because he could not deliver it himself (The Jerusalem Post). Meanwhile, the United States and Israel threaten to eliminate whoever assumes the leadership role (Chosun). This external pressure forces the clerical body to operate from secure bunkers in Qom.
This assessment draws from 1 items across 100+ languages items across 100+ languages. Full source list with trust tiers, language coverage, and direct links available to subscribers.
View subscription options →Your Operations Deserve Better Than Yesterday's News
Tell us where you operate. We'll send a sample brief within 24 hours. Free, from Sean, the founder. No sales pressure.
Request Sample Brief See Plans & PricingThis assessment synthesizes reporting from RIA Novosti, IRNA, Tasnim News, BBC Persian, and 40+ and additional sources across multiple languages. Items are verified through cross-referencing across language boundaries.
Multi-language sourcing from 250+ feeds across 5 countries. Updated daily.
See Pricing Contact Us