In a major move marking his tenure as Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei has appointed seasoned and loyal Revolutionary Guard leaders to top Iranian security positions, a strategy experts interpret as preparation for a prolonged and more aggressive confrontation with the United States.
Khamenei made these appointments on August 9th and 10th, filling many vacancies left by officials who were killed during the conflict by drawing from the 'old guard,' known for its persistent animosity towards Washington.
Khamenei has been in power since the assassination of his father, Ali Khamenei, at the onset of the American-Israeli war on Iran on February 28th. However, he has yet to appear publicly, and questions remain about his health and influence within the regime.
Among the appointees are Mohsen Rezaee, 71, who led the Revolutionary Guard through much of the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, and Hossein Taeb, 63, the former intelligence head of the Guard who was dismissed under mysterious circumstances in 2022.
Jason Brodsky, policy director at the U.S.-based “United Against Nuclear Iran” center, noted the appointments “signify a move towards a more risk-taking and confrontational approach.”
He added, “These appointments indicate Iran’s belief that it will remain in a state of war for the foreseeable future,” highlighting Khamenei’s decision to bring back 'old guard' figures within the Revolutionary Guard.
Brodsky also pointed out that “Taeb’s appointment reflects the Iranian regime’s concerns over renewed unrest amid the deteriorating economic situation, with the Basij forces likely playing a key role in quelling any forthcoming protests.”
It remains to be seen how these appointments will impact diplomatic progress with the United States, following a 60-day deadline for reaching an agreement. The negotiations thus far have been led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who is perceived as more moderate.