Israeli strikes during the June conflict—dubbed the “Bloody Wedding” and “Narnia” operations—killed senior Iranian military leaders, including Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, IRGC Commander Hossein Salami, Khatam al-Anbiya Base Commander Gholam Ali Rashid, and IRGC Aerospace Force Commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh.

In response, Khamenei appointed new commanders: Abdolrahim Mousavi as Chief of Staff, Ali Shadmani to lead Khatam al-Anbiya Base, Mohammad Pakpour as IRGC Commander, Amir Hatami as Army Commander, and Majid Mousavi as IRGC Aerospace Force Commander. Shadmani was killed days later in a suspected Israeli special forces raid.

Supreme Defense Council Revived

The revived Supreme Defense Council, chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian, brings together parliamentary, judicial, intelligence, and military leaders under a single body for strategic defense coordination. While intended to enhance efficiency, analysts in Tehran warn that overlapping authority with the Supreme National Security Council could complicate decision-making.

To address this, the council will operate as a sub-body of the Supreme National Security Council, with decisions requiring final approval from Khamenei.

Ali Larijani, sidelined from the 2024 presidential race, has re-emerged as a central political figure following renewed indirect talks with the U.S. and the recent conflict with Israel. His expected appointment as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council reflects both Khamenei’s trust and Tehran’s aim to blend diplomatic experience with pragmatic crisis management in preparation for future confrontations.