Iran's Revolutionary Guards have effectively taken control of the country's military and diplomatic strategy, following the severe wounding of newly appointed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei in February airstrikes.
The airstrikes injured Khamenei but killed his father, wife, and son.
Khamenei suffered severe leg injuries requiring multiple surgeries, facial and lip burns, and hand damage, and remains in hiding surrounded primarily by medical staff. Senior officials avoid visiting him for fear Israel will track them to his location, reported The New York Times.
While mentally sharp, Khamenei has not released video or audio messages to avoid appearing vulnerable, instead issuing written statements relayed through trusted couriers.
The Revolutionary Guards have marginalized elected officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, controlling war, peace, and U.S. negotiations decisions.
Tensions emerged when military commanders halted peace talks, despite Trump's naval blockade, overruling civilian officials' warnings of $300 billion in war losses.
Analysts note power has consolidated with hardline military forces, not moderates, despite Trump's claims of "regime change."
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