IranWire:

Iran has established a new Defense Council aimed at centralizing military planning and improving coordination among its armed forces, state media reported.

The move, approved by the Supreme National Security Council, places the country's president at the head of the newly created body.

According to a government statement, the council will oversee defense strategy and work to enhance the capabilities of Iran’s military.

The semi-official Tasnim news agency, close to the Revolutionary Guard, said that the council will include the heads of Iran’s three branches of power, two representatives of the Supreme Leader on the National Security Council, the intelligence minister, the military chief of staff, and the commanders of the Army, the Revolutionary Guard, and the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Command.

A senior military officer, appointed by the president, will serve as the council’s secretary.

The formation of the council follows recent structural changes within the National Security Council and is intended to accelerate military and security decision-making.

Analysts have described the body as a “permanent war room,” reflecting Iran’s push to respond more swiftly to regional threats and internal challenges.

The announcement comes in the aftermath of a 12-day conflict with Israel, during which Iran lost several senior military commanders.

The new body is seen as part of a broader effort to tighten command and control across Iran’s security apparatus.

Meanwhile, the reformist newspaper Sazandegi reported that Ali Larijani, a veteran political figure and former nuclear negotiator, is the leading candidate to replace Ali Akbar Ahmadian as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.

Ahmadian is expected to assume key roles within the newly formed Defense Council.

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