Iran's Leadership in Crisis: Who Holds Power Amidst Conflict?

Sat Apr 25 2026 03:44:05 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

As the war with the US and Israel escalates, questions arise over the actual control of Iran's government and military amidst a perceived power vacuum following the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Following the death of Ali Khamenei, his son Mojtaba has taken over as the Supreme Leader of Iran. However, uncertainty surrounds his authority as he has not appeared in public since the power transition, leaving a murky leadership landscape during the ongoing war with the US and Israel. Diplomacy remains unclear, and the military seems to be operating with expanded autonomy, further complicating the situation. Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, the Parliament Speaker, has emerged as a visible figure in negotiations, but his influence is precarious in this tumultuous environment.

Iran's Leadership in Crisis: Who Holds Power Amidst Conflict?

The question hanging over Tehran since the opening strikes of Iran's current war with the US and Israel is simple: Who is in charge?

Formally, the answer is clear. Mojtaba Khamenei has assumed the role of supreme leader following the killing of his father, Ali Khamenei, on the first day of the war on 28 February. In the Islamic Republic's system, that position is meant to be decisive. The leader has the final word on almost anything important: war, peace, and the state's strategic direction.

But in practice, the picture is far murkier. Donald Trump has described Iran's leadership as fractured and suggested the US is waiting for Tehran to produce a unified proposal. Unity was certainly on the minds of Iran's leaders when they distributed a message to Iranians on their mobile phones, saying there was no such thing as a hardliner or moderate in Iran - there was just one nation, one course.

Invisible Leader

Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen in public since taking power. Beyond a handful of written statements, including one insisting the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, there is little direct evidence of his day-to-day control. Iranian officials have acknowledged that he was injured in the initial strikes but have offered few details. Reports suggest he may have suffered injuries that could impede his ability to lead.

In Iran's political system, authority is both institutional and performative, and Khamenei's father's ability to signal intent through public appearances is currently lacking. This absence has created a vacuum of interpretation regarding leadership.

Diplomatic Channels Open but Only Just

On paper, diplomacy rests with the government, but neither Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi nor President Masoud Pezeshkian seems to have recognized authority in strategy, especially as Iran's delegation is now headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf.

As Iran navigates these turbulent waters, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) holds significant power over decisions regarding the closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz, indicating a shift in authority towards military leadership amid a fragmented decision-making process.

Conclusion: A Functioning but Disjointed System

The political landscape in Iran remains intact yet increasingly convoluted without visible coherence from top leaders. While the system manages to function, questions about its direction amidst external pressure continue to mount.