Khamenei Acts After War, Assigns Key Role to Iran President's Foe

Following a 12-day conflict with Israel, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has taken action. He recently approved a new defense council, named the National Defense Council. A secretary has now been appointed. Khamenei has appointed Ali Larijani, considered a staunch political opponent of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, as the new head of the National Security Council.

Larijani, 68, will replace General Ali-Akbar Ahmadian, associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Ahmadian was appointed to the position in May 2023. This appointment is seen by many experts as a move away from the hardline stance of Iran's government towards a more moderate direction.