Tehran. Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been almost completely removed from the process of national security and strategic decision making by senior military commanders due to alleged serious mental health problems. The development brought by opposition news portal Iran International is being seen as a possible major change in the internal power equations of the ruling class of Iran.
According to the report, 86 -year -old Khamenei, who has been in the highest power in Iran for the last three decades, recently lost mental balance after a military confrontation between Iran -backed forces and Israel. Since then, he is being excluded from the most sensitive national security discussions and senior military commanders have taken more control over strategic decisions.
The sidelines of Khamenei in this way are considered an unprecedented event in the modern history of Iran. Traditionally, the supreme leaders have been at the center of foreign policy, military strategy and internal affairs of the country. But the increasing signs of his deteriorating health have intensified the possibilities of change of power within the country’s complex political-military structure.
According to Iran International sources, concern has increased between Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other senior military leaders about Khamenei’s position, which is now more directly controlling Tehran’s strategic reactions amid growing stress and regional conflicts with Israel.
Experts believe that if the influence of Khamenei continues to decrease in this way, then an uncertain phase of political tug of war can begin in Iran’s leadership class, which will not only affect the regional stability but can also affect Iran’s foreign relations.
The Iranian government has not yet responded to this report. Also, due to the confidential nature of the country’s power structure, it is also very difficult to confirm it independently. This disclosure has come up at a time when tension in the area is at its peak. Iran is increasing the impact through its proxy forces in different parts of the Middle East on the one hand, on the other hand it is also facing the increasing pressure of international restrictions and diplomatic isolation.
