Iran has announced the reestablishment of its Supreme National Defense Council — a powerful wartime body last active during the 1980s Iran-Iraq War — signaling a significant shift in its defense policy as tensions with Israel escalate.
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.