Reuters: Iran's New Supreme Leader Limited to Endorsement Role as Military Takes Over

April 29 (Reuters) — As the U.S.-Iran conflict enters its second month, a major shift has unfolded in Iran’s traditional top power structure, with authority quietly consolidating around the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and a core security circle. This has altered internal decision-making dynamics and strengthened Iran’s position in diplomatic talks with the U.S. Since its 1979 founding, Iran has relied on the Supreme Leader to oversee final state decisions. On the first day of the conflict, the former Supreme Leader was assassinated, and his son took over the role. However, **he is reportedly seriously injured from an airstrike, with damaged credibility and severe leg injuries** — he has not appeared in public for security reasons, communicating only through IRGC aides and limited audio channels. Three sources familiar with internal deliberations note **the newly installed nominal leader no longer initiates policy directives, instead primarily endorsing resolutions already finalized by top military brass**. Iranian officials and analysts say the wartime environment has accelerated power consolidation, **shrinking Iran’s decision-making core to the Supreme National Security Council, the Leader’s Office, and the IRGC**. The IRGC not only controls military strategic deployments but also deeply shapes major political and diplomatic decisions, emerging as the country’s de facto power hub today.