The council, now led by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, is tasked with planning national defense strategy and boosting military readiness.

While Pezeshkian is formally president of the council, real operational control is likely to remain with figures close to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, particularly Ali Larijani, a senior advisor and potential de facto head.

The move comes after the 12-day war in June between Iran and Israel, during which Iran suffered the loss of high-ranking officers and key nuclear facilities. This conflict revealed Iran’s need for a more efficient and centralized military command.

According to Iranian media, the new council includes heads of the three government branches, the intelligence minister, senior military leaders, and two appointees directly chosen by Khamenei. It operates as a sub-body of the Supreme National Security Council, with a narrower focus on military command during wartime.

Experts suggest that the revival of this council is meant to send a strong deterrent signal to Israel — and to a lesser degree, to the U.S. — that Iran is preparing seriously for further conflict. “Iran sees itself in a state of war,” said Iranian affairs researcher Hassan Radi, adding that the leadership is mobilizing at all levels.

Meanwhile, Iranian military officials continue to stress the need to remain vigilant. Commander Amir Hatami recently cited Khamenei’s warning that even “1% of a threat” must be treated as a full threat.

Iranian media and analysts describe the current situation as a fragile ceasefire. Diplomatic researcher Alan Eyre noted that Iran views the post-war period as temporary and anticipates a renewal of hostilities. He also warned that any attempt by Iran to rebuild its nuclear program or missile capabilities could prompt Israel to strike again.

While the U.S. is cautious about being drawn into a direct war, it did strike Iran’s nuclear facilities in June and may act again if regional threats to its interests persist.