TEHRAN – Tehran is set to activate the new “Supreme Defence Council” as part of a significant structural change within the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), according to reports from Iranian Faz and Tasnim news organizations issued on Friday and Saturday.
Congress is a long-term constitutional provision and is expected to play a pivotal role in developing strategic defense policies.
Fars News reported that the “source” confirmed the creation of a Defense Council following the final decision on structural changes within the social network.
The new agency said it had “strategic missions in the field of defense policy,” adding that its structure will be “defined soon,” representing “part of a new governance arrangement in the field of defense and security.”
Tasnim provided further details on Saturday, citing Article 176 of the Iranian constitution. The article explicitly states that the SNSC will “form sub-councils that are commensurate with their obligations, such as the Defense Council and the National Security Council.”
Tasnim reported that the structure of the Defense Council itself was approved “a few days ago” under this constitutional authority.
According to their sources, the president serves as chairman of the council, along with a military figure appointed by the president as secretary.
The main objectives reportedly include “supporting a comprehensive strengthening of the country’s defense capabilities,” “increasing the speed of decision-making in the country’s defense sector,” and incorporating additional military commanders beyond military chiefs (already on social media).
Tasnim’s report is also listed as a potential member, with the council heads of three branches of the government, two representatives of the leaders of the Islamic Revolution within the SNSC, Minister of Intelligence, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, and Arthish of Commander, headquarters.
Historically, the Supreme Defense Council operated during the Iran-Iraq war under Article 110 of the Constitution, but much of its duties was later envisaged by post-Constitutional amendment SNSCs under Article 176.
As reported, the formation of the Defense Council appears to be designed to streamline high-level defence decisions within Iran’s constitutional framework. It reflects lessons learned from the 12-day US-Israel war on Iran and the leadership consensus that maintains the highest level of military readiness for perceived and lasting threats.
The Iran-Israel ceasefire was considered weak
This development is deemed deceptive and unreliable due to growing regional tensions and decisive distrust among Iranian leaders over the Israeli regime’s ceasefire claim.
Military General Abdulrahim Musavi emphasizes Iran’s defensive stance and preparation.
“We were not war initiators, but we responded with all our might to the invaders,” General Musabi said, “We are fully questioned about our compliance with enemy commitments, including ceasefires, so we are ready to provide the company’s response in the event of repeated aggression.”
Reflecting this stance, President Masuud Pezeschkian explicitly refused to trust the current ceasefire. “I’m not confident in a ceasefire,” President Pezeschkian declared.
“At any time, they (the Israeli regime) may be eager to attack us again, and of course our troops are ready to stand up to attacks at all levels.”
The Iran-Israel war, widely known as the “12-Day War,” broke out after the attack on Israeli attacks on Iran on June 13th.
Iranian reports say more than 1,025 Iranians, including several high-ranking commanders, have been marching on the Israeli strike. Iran’s decisive response, True Promise 3, included a massive barrage of missiles and drones that permeated Israeli defenses, causing major damage to military and strategic sites.
Analysts suggest that the specific impact of Iran’s retaliation demonstrated high missile capabilities and regional reach, and are key factors that call for the Israeli regime to urgently stop the fight through international intermediaries.
“Preparing for the Three Phases”
Speaking at the 97th National Passive Defense Committee meeting on Saturday, General Musabi explained in detail the military’s continued preparation strategy. At another event, he outlined a structured approach to ensuring a certain level of vigilance.
“Today’s military is pursuing a clear preparation programme over three periods: short-term, medium-term and long-term,” confirmed General Musabi.
He highlighted the need to adopt the same approach to strengthening preparation within the private sector, particularly with regard to vaccinating critical service infrastructures, which are generally important.
The conference focused on assessing the performance of executive agencies in the field of passive defense, particularly during recent conflict with the Israeli regime.
Participants analyzed strengths, weaknesses, and enemy threat patterns to devise solutions to increase the resilience of essential national infrastructure services.
Key outcomes include recognition of national directives for public passive defense education, an overview of cultural and educational institutional obligations, ratification of guidelines for managing urban shelters, temporary housing and emergency facilities, and definition of the responsibilities of relevant enforcement agencies.
Committee members emphasized the need for strict compliance with these directives by all responsible entities.