'More confrontational': Iran's new hardline security leadership
PARIS: Earlier this month Iranian supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei reshuffled Teheran’s top security team, putting his own personal stamp on the appointments and readying the Islamic republic for a long-term confrontation with the United States.
On August 9 and 10, Iranian Supreme Leader Mohammad Khamenei appointed new leaders to the country's top security positions in a move signaling a more confrontational approach towards the United States. Khamenei, who has been in power since his father's death in February, took over these roles with loyal Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) members, many of whom were killed in the ongoing war against Iraq.
Mohsen Rezaei, 71, a former IRGC commander during the 1980s Iran-Iraq war, was appointed as the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. Hossein Taeb, 63, a former Guards intelligence chief, was named Commander of the Basij, the IRGC's youth militia. These appointments reflect Khamenei's belief that Iran will be in a wartime situation for the foreseeable future, bringing back the "old guard" of the IRGC.
The appointments have raised concerns about the potential for increased tension with the United States, after the expiration of a 60-day deadline for an agreement. The Basij, known for its role in suppressing protests, is seen as a key player in maintaining order if future unrest occurs, particularly given the deteriorating economic situation in Iran.
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