Here’s how Iran’s hardline generals are running the war

by · Australian Financial Review

Farnaz Fassihi
Apr 24, 2026 – 9.44am

When Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ruled Iran as the supreme leader, he exerted absolute power over all decisions about war, peace and negotiations with the United States. His son and successor does not play the same role.

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, the son, is an elusive figure who has not been seen and whose voice has not been heard since he was appointed in March. Instead, a battle-hardened collective of commanders in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and those aligned with them are the key decision-makers on matters of security, war and diplomacy.

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