The identity of Iran's actual governing authority remains unknown.
Designated Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly since his appointment in March 2026.
Following the February 28 assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) seized control of state policy.
The Assembly of Experts named Mojtaba as the successor. However, his complete physical absence suggests he may be incapacitated.
The regime relies entirely on written statements read by state anchors. The IRGC currently manages the state under wartime conditions.
They have sidelined civilian politicians. For international businesses, the civilian government is no longer the primary decision-maker.
All regulatory or contractual engagements are now subject to military oversight.
Your operations face immediate regulatory and sanctions uncertainty. Designated Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has hidden from public view since his March appointment. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps now controls all national policy and decision-making. Regime officials only release written statements instead of visual proof of leadership. Prepare for sudden policy shifts and freeze all new cross-border compliance approvals immediately.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps now controls Iran's government and strategic policy. Military commanders have sidelined civilian leaders, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf. They manage the state under wartime conditions (Sky News Australia). President Masoud Pezeshkian claims Mojtaba Khamenei remains the apex authority. However, the IRGC dictates the country's negotiating posture and military responses . The military apparatus utilizes a decentralized defense doctrine. This maintains combat operations despite the leadership vacuum .
The Assembly of Experts named Mojtaba Khamenei as the third Supreme Leader on March 8. They voted under intense pressure from the IRGC (Iran International). The succession process was severely disrupted. An airstrike destroyed the Assembly's meeting building in Qom on March 3 (NewsX). The unprecedented father-to-son transfer of power remains highly contested. The new leader's physical absence prevents the regime from establishing traditional legitimacy (TRENDS Research & Advisory).
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