Iranian soldiers stand guard at a post in Milak, southeastern Iran, near the Afghan border. (File photo from 2023) N. Prabhakaran Dubai: Am...
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| Iranian soldiers stand guard at a post in Milak, southeastern Iran, near the Afghan border. (File photo from 2023) |
N. Prabhakaran
Dubai: Amidst ongoing attacks by Israel and the US against the Iranian regime, reports suggest that several officers of the Islamic Republic's armed forces have abandoned their barracks and fled. Young conscripts performing mandatory military service revealed to 'Iran International,' an Iranian opposition media outlet, that their superiors left them behind to guard the posts alone.
Soldiers report that massive confusion has erupted within the Iranian military following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei last Saturday. Soldiers at a military base in Lorestan province stated they are unaware of the current command structure and are deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation.
Fearing airstrikes, many commanders have reportedly abandoned their posts. One soldier noted that these officers fled without providing any support or guidance to the rank-and-file troops. Out of fear of missile strikes, many soldiers are spending their nights in open areas outside the barracks. There are also complaints that the leadership is failing to address the basic needs of the military personnel.
President Masoud Pezeshkian
Leadership Crisis and Power Struggle
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the war is fueling further confusion and a power struggle within Iran's top leadership. According to Article 111 of the Iranian Constitution, as the head of the provisional council, President Masoud Pezeshkian holds many of the Supreme Leader's powers, including that of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. However, critics argue that instead of intervening in the current critical situation, the President is focusing on secondary matters, such as preparations for the local elections scheduled for May.
"Today, Pezeshkian is simultaneously the President, the head of the leadership council, and the military chief. He must step forward and declare that everyone is under his command," said former minister Abbas Akhoundi. Akhoundi argued that debating the succession of the next leader during wartime only benefits Israel and serves as a distraction.
Sadeq Larijani, Mojtaba Khamenei
Centers of Power During War
While there were unconfirmed reports that Mojtaba Khamenei had been selected as the new Supreme Leader, these remain unverified. Member of Parliament Mohsen Zanganeh revealed that the 'Assembly of Experts' nominated two senior clerics for the position, but both declined. It is believed that the fear of assassination by the US and Israel is deterring candidates from accepting the role.
On the other hand, reports suggest that security chief Ali Larijani is attempting to elevate his brother, Sadeq Larijani, to the position. As the head of the Expediency Council, Sadeq Larijani has the influence to delay the process and block the Revolutionary Guards' maneuvers.
With key figures like Mojtaba Khamenei, IRGC leaders, and Ali Larijani refraining from public statements, Iran's political future remains in deep uncertainty. As internal disagreements mount, some reports suggest that the 'Expediency Discernment Council' has decided to suspend the 'Assembly of Experts'—the body responsible for choosing the Supreme Leader—and transfer power to a provisional leadership council.
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