Iran's Power Shift: IRGC Brotherhood Takes Charge

May 21, 2026

77 min

May 21, 2026 14:30

New power circle: Meet the hardest-line IRGC ‘brotherhood’ running post-Khamenei Iran

## Post-Khamenei Leadership

Following the death of Ali Khamenei in an Israeli airstrike, Iran's leadership has seen a significant shift. Contrary to expectations of chaos, power has consolidated around a group of former and current commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This group, often referred to as a "brotherhood," has roots in the Iran-Iraq war and is characterized by a shared ideology and distrust of the West.

## Key Figures

Among the prominent figures in this new power circle is Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of parliament and a former IRGC air force commander. Ghalibaf is seen as a bridge between Iran's military and political spheres and has been involved in talks with US officials.

Ahmad Vahidi, another influential leader, previously led the IRGC’s Quds Force and is linked with Iran’s regional proxy network. He has been accused by Argentina of involvement in the 1994 bombing in Buenos Aires, a charge Iran denies.

## Security and Intelligence Dominance

Hossein Taeb and Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei are key figures in Iran's intelligence and security sectors. Mohseni-Ejei, as judiciary chief, has overseen significant crackdowns on protests, while Taeb was known for his role in suppressing dissent.

Mohammad Ali Jafari, a former IRGC commander, developed the "mosaic strategy," a military doctrine that has allowed Iran's operations to continue despite leadership losses.

## Future Implications

This shift in power suggests a move away from clerical dominance towards a security elite. As diplomacy continues, the decisions of this group could determine Iran's future path, whether towards compromise or continued confrontation.

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