‘Silent coup’ in Iran? IRGC’s increasing hold on power and the mysterious absence of the Supreme Leader, is the country moving towards military rule?

News India Live, Digital Desk: Amidst the ongoing fierce war in the Middle East and increasing tension with America, a big news is coming out from inside Iran. According to a special report by Zee News, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has unprecedentedly increased its control over the country’s administrative and strategic decisions. According to reports, a kind of ‘silent coup’ like situation has arisen in Iran, where the Army (IRGC) has taken command by sidelining President Massoud Pezeshkian. Change in power equations: IRGC vs. elected government. The developments in the last few weeks have made it clear that the leadership of Iran’s foreign policy and military operations now rests entirely with the generals of the IRGC. Position of the President: President Pejeshkian, who came as a reformist face, now seems unable to take major decisions. Suspense of Supreme Leader: The most worrying thing is the condition of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen in public for the last several days. His absence has created a huge void in Iran’s power center, which the IRGC is trying to fill. Crisis Management and Military Consolidation (State Power Consolidation) The IRGC has strengthened its hold not only on the military front but also on the economic and crisis management structure of the country. Regional Dominance: Amidst the ongoing conflict with Israel and the US, the IRGC took over the entire responsibility of coordination with Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis. Internal Control: In view of the increasing protests and economic crisis within the country, the IRGC has also increased its influence over the intelligence network and policing, so that any kind of internal rebellion can be suppressed. Is there any possibility of peace? (Prospects for Peace) Global experts believe that the growing dominance of the IRGC is a major challenge to the prospects for peace (Prospects for Peace). Fundamentalist stance: The IRGC historically believes in military resistance rather than diplomacy. In such a situation, the hope of any nuclear agreement or regional peace talks with America being successful has diminished. Buzz of regime change: After Donald Trump’s tough stance and Israeli attacks, discussions of ‘regime change’ i.e. change of power are intense in Iran. If the IRGC takes full power, the confrontation with the West could become more violent.