Washington

A fresh assessment by the Institute for the Study of War has suggested that recent statements from Iran’s leadership indicate a coordinated response influenced by both domestic political considerations and pressure from the United States.

According to the think tank, remarks by Donald Trump appear to have triggered a carefully managed reaction from the Iranian establishment aimed at both internal factions and Washington. It said leaders of Iran’s three branches of government issued statements likely designed to counter accusations of moderation within the country’s revolutionary political framework.

The report added that Mojtaba Khamenei later publicly acknowledged Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Masoud Pezeshkian, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei and Abbas Araghchi in what it described as a symbolic display of unity intended to ease tensions between pragmatic and hardline factions.

The assessment also claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei may currently have limited influence over state decision-making because of injuries allegedly sustained during the war. Citing a report by The New York Times, it said he is under regular medical supervision and depends heavily on senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The report named Ahmad Vahidi as a central figure shaping strategic policy. It said he supports Iran’s sovereignty claims over the Strait of Hormuz and continuation of the nuclear programme, while viewing negotiations with the US as having little current value.

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ISW further described Vahidi as belonging to Iran’s first revolutionary generation, prioritising ideological goals and military strength over economic concerns and public welfare.