TEHRAN – In a move to strengthen strategic coordination and preparation, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) has approved the establishment of a new defence council. Below are seven important facts about the newly established body.
What prompted the establishment of the National Defense Council?
Congress was established after Israel and the United States launched an unprecedented war with Iran, targeting the country’s nuclear, military and civilian infrastructure that lasts from June 13 to June 24. Analysts are a direct response to these escalations designed to establish a unified command for future conflicts, designed to move beyond future conflicts to a unified order.
What is the central mission of the Defense Council?
The Defense Council’s main mission is to strengthen the combat capabilities of Iranian military, as well as intensive review and development of national defense strategies and plans. As stated in the SNSC announcement, its fundamental purpose is to command potential wars and protect the state’s sovereignty over attacks operating under the SNSC umbrella.
Who will establish the Defense Council and who will preside over it?
The Defense Council was established at the decision of the SNSC, chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian. This decision received important approval that Ayatollah, the leader of the Islamic Revolution, had seyed Ali Khamenei, as required by constitutional protocols. President Pezeschkian will serve as head of the newly established Council of Defense.
Who is that member?
The Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) has not released an official list, but reports from Iranian media show that its membership consists of government, senior military commanders and chief ministers in charge of national defense. The council is reportedly includes the president, the chairman of Congress and the attorney general. It also features two representatives appointed by the leaders of the Islamic Revolution, as well as minister of intelligence and chief of staff of the military. Military leaders are represented by commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) and the Army (artesh). Furthermore, the commander of the central Katam Al-Ambya headquarters is said to be a member.
What is its relationship with the existing Supreme National Security Council (SNSC)?
The Defense Council is a professional sub-county formed by the SNSC and uses constitutional authorities under Article 176 to create subsidiaries such as the Defense Council and the National Security Council. While the SNSC holds responsibility for comprehensive national security, political and strategic issues, the Defense Council will focus on military issues and wartime commands in particular.
How is this new council different from the historic Supreme Defense Council?
Some media have drawn similarities with the highest defence councils operating during the Iran-Iraq war between 1980 and 1988, but analysts highlight important distinctions. The previous council, formed before the social media outlets, acted as wartime command centers and disbanded after the constitutional reforms in 1989. In contrast, the new Defense Council is expressly established under section 176 as a subsidiary of the SNSC. Its role is professional and operational within a broader strategic framework set by the SNSC and leaders of the Islamic Revolution.
Is this council undermining the role of council?
Some critics, such as MP Hamid Resaee, have expressed concern that such councils may alienate Congress. However, supporters contradict this argument. Foreign policy analyst Ali Bigdeli said, “The issue of forming a defense council is neither strange nor new. When a country is at risk of a ceasefire violation and the beginning of a new war, agencies other than the subject of war are usually not subject to special interference anywhere in the world. He emphasized that such critical defence decisions take place under the leadership of the overseer of the Islamic Revolution, and that the role of Congress in these specific operational military issues is inherently limited, especially during the imminent threats that require quick and classified expert decisions.