Tehran – Two senior members of Iranian parliament welcomed the establishment of the National Defense Council, describing it as a timely, strategic move to strengthen decision-making and accelerate military responses amid wartime conditions.
The Council was approved by the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) on Sunday, August 3, under Article 176 of the Constitution. It operates under the President’s Speaker and includes three branches of the government, a military commander, and heads of several major ministers. Its main mission is to review its defense strategy and coordinate efforts to enhance military operational readiness.
Founded with the approval of the leaders of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei is designed to act as a centralised headquarters in the event of war or attacks on the territorial integrity.
In an interview with the IRNA, veteran councils Alaeddin Borujerdi and Esmaeil Kowsari provided both members of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee with a perspective on the importance of the council.
Alaeddin Boroujerdi said that the social media is constitutionally recognized to establish professional councils according to the needs of the nation, especially during times of crisis.
“Given the offensive military stance of the US and Zionist regimes, it was essential to form a dedicated institution to assess defense-related developments,” he said.
He emphasized that Congress would benefit from the experience of senior commanders during the war, and would focus more on military policy and planning.
“With the current state of war and the possibility of future escalations, the creation of a body focused solely on defense issues was necessary and timely,” added Borgeldi. “SNSC handles a variety of security and foreign policy issues, so this new council will fill a significant gap by focusing solely on military issues.”
“The Defense Council rationalizes decision-making during a crisis”
Boroujerdi noted that the presence of a high-ranking military commander in the council will strengthen its effectiveness and ensure emergency defense decisions are made quickly and consistently.
“The concentration of military authorities in this council will strengthen unity and coordination in both decision-making and implementation during times of crisis,” he said.
Another senior councillor, Esmaeil Kowsari, emphasized the importance of prompt and critical action in wartime conditions.
“In war, speed is everything. There must be a command structure that allows for quick and decisive decisions. This council was created directly to address important needs on the battlefield,” he said.
Kowsari said that during the eight years of Iran-Iraq war known as sacred defense in Iran, a similar Supreme Defence Council oversaw wartime operations.