Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is facing an unprecedented crisis within his inner circle following a series of Israeli airstrikes that have resulted in the deaths of several key military and security officials. The 86-year-old leader, who has long relied on a tight-knit group of advisors from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), now finds his decision-making apparatus significantly weakened at a critical moment for the Islamic Republic.
Among those killed in the airstrikes are high-ranking figures such as IRGC commander Hossein Salami, aerospace chief Amir Ali Hajizadeh—who oversaw Iran’s ballistic missile program—and chief intelligence officer Kazemi. This loss not only disrupts Khamenei’s inner circle, which comprised 15 to 20 loyal advisers, but also raises concerns over the potential for strategic missteps as Iran grapples with both regional tensions and internal challenges.
Khamenei, who has been at the helm since 1989, is known for his methodical approach to governance, often seeking diverse perspectives before making critical decisions. His reliance on the IRGC, particularly for internal security and regional strategy, has been a defining feature of his leadership. The Revolutionary Guards have played a pivotal role in quelling protests in years past, maintaining state authority amidst widespread discontent fueled by years of Western sanctions and economic hardship.
The current situation marks a perilous juncture for Khamenei, as the IRGC’s top ranks have been decimated during one of the most tumultuous periods in Iran’s recent history. The Supreme Leader’s isolation is compounded by the loss of close allies within Iran’s so-called “axis of resistance” against perceived Western aggression. The recent killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike last September further exacerbates Khamenei’s predicament, stripping him of a vital regional ally.
Despite these setbacks, sources close to the Supreme Leader indicate that other key political, economic, and diplomatic advisers remain in place, allowing for continued influence across various domains. Notably, Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has reportedly gained prominence within the decision-making process over the past two decades, potentially serving as a stabilizing force amidst the upheaval.
As Khamenei navigates this crisis, the future of Iran’s leadership and its regional ambitions remains uncertain. The loss of pivotal advisers could lead to miscalculations in both domestic governance and foreign policy, as the regime grapples with mounting pressures from both internal dissent and external threats. The coming months will be critical in determining how the Islamic Republic adapts to this significant shift in its power structure.